AURORA, Colo. -- An Aurora couple is accused of starving two of their Labrador retrievers after animal control officers found the dogs severely underweight and one close to dying.

Kira, a 7-year-old yellow Lab, weighed only 35 pounds when she was removed from the home on May 10. The severely emaciated dog should weigh closer to 80 pounds, said Kim Pope-Zukowski, a supervisor with the Aurora animal shelter.

Nala, a 6-year-old Lab, was dehydrated at the time she was impounded and is slightly underweight, authorities said.

Kira was taken to an emergency room at a nearby animal hospital and in intensive care for nine days. She is now stable but will remain under veterinary care for an extended, unknown period.

The dogs' owners, Ronda Banks and Scott Canfield, will appear at a hearing on Friday, where a court will determine whether they should get their dogs back or if the dogs will be surrendered to Aurora's Animal Care division.

The owners have not yet been cited or charged.

The shelter is seeking donations to defray medical costs for treating the dogs. Please make checks payable to the Aurora Animal Shelter and mail to 15750 E. 32nd Ave., Aurora, CO 80011-1518, attention "Vet Care."