A Maine veterinarian says an elderly Chihuahua that was found in a trash can is being treated for "the worst case of dental neglect" he has ever seen.

The dog named Motto had a rotting odor and was foaming at the mouth when he was found, the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society in Lewiston said Wednesday.

“The smell was unbearable, we employees could hardly stomach the smell, I can’t imagine what this little dog was going through,” said Zachary Black of GAHS.

Motto had all of his teeth removed and is receiving multiple mouth cleanings on a daily basis.

Dr. Stephen Kinney of the Auburn Animal Shelter called it the worst case of dental neglect he has seen in his 30-year career as a veterinarian.

Motto is said to be on the road to recovery, and according to GAHS, he "should be able to live out a great retirement life."

Anyone with information on the person who abandoned Motto is asked to call the Lewiston Police Department at 207-513-3001 and ask for Animal Control Officer Wendell Strout.

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