[lily's mom]

Shelley, you sounds like my twin. This is the exact same thing I do all the time. My hubby gets so mad for involving myself in everyones pet problems.
I once was in a similar situation only the dog never had food or water and no shelter. He slept under some steps. One night it was snowing and the dog was going nuts licking the snow. That was it, I couldn't stand it any long. I walked up to their house with the idea of just stealing him. However, once I got there, I knocked on the dog and just blurted out what I had been observing and could I have their dog. Guess what, they gave it to me then admitted it didn't eat often because they couldn't afford it. So I applaud you for what you are doing. Just ask, it can't hurt.