VIRGINIA BEACH – Investigators say a Navy man moved out of his apartment and left his dog behind.

Maintenance workers at Pembroke Lakes found the dog. It had no food and survived on water in the bathroom for nearly a month.

According to documents, the Shepherd-Chow mix’s owner moved out as he deployed.

Video: Dog left home alone for weeks

Larger screen

When officers broke into the home, the dog was hiding in a closet shaking and wasn’t in good condition.

Animal control and police are working with the courts to see if the sailor will face criminal chages.

Meantime, the dog is up for adoption.

"He needs a nice home. I hope he gets a special family," said a neighbor.