Moving is a stressful time for any pet. Most of us are extremely wary about taking our furry friends to a new location. Especially if you have a dog prone to door-dashing, putting your companion in a new home is stressful for them, along with all the other environmental stressors that accompany moving. For most of us, our worst fear during this time is our pet escaping into an unknown environment. However, in one horrific instance a beloved family dog was simply left for new homeowners to find.
A Not-So-Happy Housewarming Gift
The police department of Caribou, Maine have identified an owner of an abandoned dog. This poor pup was left chained in the closet of a vacant home. It’s unclear exactly how long the home was vacant. However, the new homeowners found the dog extremely emaciated and in poor health. The department stated that the animal had not received care for a prolonged time. The pup’s former owner turned himself in for charges of animal cruelty related to this case.
Caring for Abandoned Dogs
Hopefully, most of us will never find an animal in a situation like this. However, if you do, follow proper protocol to help the animal. Don’t let cases like this go unreported; contact your local police department or animal control to pursue justice and prevent further animal abuse. Many local shelters have an animal cruelty hotline. If you find an animal in extremely poor shape but you are able to transport them, your first stop should be a vet. Don’t give the dog medications, food, or anything else until you have been instructed to do so, as you may do more harm than good. If you live in an area where stray dogs are common, consider keeping a “rescue kit” in your vehicle. This can be a crate with various necessities: gloves, blankets, a slip lead, and anything else you think could help.
