Nine puppies and their mom are recovering at the Humane Association of CNY after they were abandoned and left for dead.

A landlord found the dogs in an empty apartment with no food and no water. The puppies were in good health, but the mom was severely malnourished and underweight. Humane Association board member, Bethann Kistner said, "she only had a day or two to live because she was starving to death. It's terrible."

The dog, named Hope, should weigh 50 pounds. Right now, she is just 35 pounds.

The Humane Association of CNY says this is a sight they see far too often. Kistner said, "It is a common problem and that's why we've been here since 1966. It is a common problem and I think it's picked up a lot in the last year and a half, two years with the economy where people just dump them at the door."

Caring for this many dogs is a strain on the Humane Association's resources. They're trying to raise $60,000 to repair a portion of the shelter to give them more space to take care of the animals.

To donate, click on the Humane Association website .