After facing a troubling issue of animals being left at their doorsteps, Harbor Humane Society in Michigan took a strong stance against this by posting clear warnings. The sign stated, “Do not abandon an animal here. Wait until business hours. No fee for bringing an animal to HHS. For the sake of the animal, please be humane.” Another identical sign was placed behind the shelter near a picnic area.
Heartbreaking Find
One morning, a staff member discovered a tiny pup tied to the “do not abandon animals” sign at the back of the shelter. It was suspected that she had been left there the night before. Security footage confirmed that the dog, later named Trixie, was abandoned around 9 p.m. and wasn’t found until 7:30 a.m. the next day. Thus, she spent 11 hours outside awaiting rescue.
“Initially, she was nervous and scared, but after giving her some space, she quickly warmed up and crawled into my lap. She’s been very friendly ever since!” said Jen Nuernberg, director of marketing at Harbor Humane Society, in an interview with The Dodo.
After spending the whole night alone, Trixie was understandably confused about why she was abandoned but soon felt safe with her new rescuers. They rushed her inside, where she was able to recover with food and warmth. Upon hearing her story, the rest of the staff were deeply saddened.
Fortunately, tests showed that Trixie was in good health – just a bit bewildered.
Jen Self Aulgur, the executive director at Harbor Humane Society, explained, “When someone abandons an animal without any information, we just have to guess. We can assume she is 3 to 4 years old, but we have no backstory or knowledge of her preferences.” The staff are hopeful that Trixie’s previous owners will provide additional information to assist in finding her a suitable home.
“This pup deserves to have her story and history known. We do not want to shame or get you in trouble — we just want to help this poor pup,” Self Aulgur urged.
Currently, Trixie is surrounded by loving human companions, ensuring she has everything she needs. She will be available for adoption after some time, but for now, she is relishing her stay, enjoying all the affection she can get.
Final Word
This incident highlights the critical issue of pet abandonment. Pets form strong bonds with their owners and their surroundings; abrupt changes can lead to significant distress for them.
If you find yourself unable to care for your furry companions, please do not leave them behind in such a manner. Consider bringing them to your local shelter, introducing them to the staff, and granting them a second chance at life. They truly deserve it!
