It’s increasingly common to encounter stray or abandoned dogs in the streets, unfortunately happening far too often these days. While it’s understandable that some individuals may feel unable to care for their pets and thus choose to surrender them to a shelter, many others are less compassionate. These dogs often endure significant hardship before being discarded.
What’s In The Bag
On what seemed like an ordinary day, Scott Lockard was heading to work at Oklahoma Humane Society when he noticed a black bag tied to the door handle of the center. Upon checking, he discovered a small brown dog inside. Although this was not a new experience for Scott, he shared with The Dodo:
This wasn’t the first time I have arrived at the adoption center to find animals waiting there, so I can’t say I was super surprised. I was happy to get her in and fed and watered, so I was mostly just thinking about getting the little dog comfortable.
Once inside, he learned that the dog, named Maris, was a bit shy and reserved, but otherwise healthy. Checking the bag for any additional information, he found a note that read: Her name is Maris, find her a good home. It’s heartbreaking to see such a note, suggesting that the person who abandoned her had good intentions and simply wanted to ensure the dog found a better life.
A Growing Problem
In response to this ongoing issue, the humane society took action by sharing a message and Maris’s picture. Oklahoma Humane Society marketing manager, Roshelle Anderson, explained to The Dodo: We didn’t post the photo to specifically call out the people who left the pet, but rather to bring attention to a greater problem facing our community. The center is currently overwhelmed, with more abandoned dogs than adoptions, leaving them struggling to find resources for all the animals in their care. The center urgently appeals to anyone who can offer a home to a dog in need.
As for Maris, she is still waiting for her forever home. Given her sweet nature, it’s hard to believe that someone won’t come along to adopt her soon.
