ELKHART, Ind. -- Early Friday evening, Elkhart County sheriff's deputies found a puppy chained up behind a home on County Road 4. It didn’t have food, water or shelter so they seized the dog and took it to the Elkhart County Humane Society.

"It was very happy. I think it was glad to see us and he knew that we were going to be able to help,” said Megan Gonterman, Elkhart County Humane Society.

The puppy was severely underweight.

"Whatever the situation is, the dog had not been fed properly according to how the animal should be fed,” said Gonterman.

For workers at the shelter, it was a difficult situation to see.

"It is absolutely terrifying. A lot of times people don't realize the animals can't handle the elements that we can,” said Gonerman.

The puppy had no food, no shelter and a frozen water bowl.

"It never gets any easier. It's always rough seeing them in that position. You know they're voiceless and we're their only voice, so I'm glad that the dog came here so we could help it,” said Gonterman.

They have been successful in helping the puppy.

"It has gained 5 pounds since it has been her with us since Friday,” said Gonterman.

If all goes well the puppy will be ready to go to the shelter's adoption wing soon.

We went by the home where the puppy was found, but no one answered the door.