Maybe this dog will do better once it has a companion to play with? I think if the dog has food, shelter and water and isn't being physically abused, it may be hard call this case "abuse". Do they have a fenced in yard so if they were to get another dog, they can both run around the yard and play and get some exercise? I think it would be a shame if they got another dog with no fenced in yard and didn't bother walking either one of them.

Keep us posted.