14 year old blind dog left in dumpster
Harbor Springs, MI (US)Date: Jan 2, 2006
Disposition: Open
Case Images: 1 files available
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
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When Julie DeGroot, director of operations at Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, e-mailed a picture of one of her charges, the subject heading simply read �Gladys the dumpster poodle.� One look at the little black dog was enough to break a heart, knowing she was discarded like garbage just a week ago. Just north of Harbor Springs, two Trout Creek Condominium employees were sent to investigate noises they heard coming from a dumpster on January 2, 2006. �When they looked inside they discovered a toy poodle that had been left inside a box in the dumpster to starve or freeze to death,� DeGroot said in a recent telephone interview. �I was stunned people could do something so malicious.�
DeGroot estimates the poodle, which they are calling Gladys, to be approximately 14-years old. She has a rare eye condition which left her blind since birth. �Her eyes never fully developed because she has micro ophthalmia. It is a pretty rare condition, so we are hoping that someone, like a veterinarian, may know this dog,� she said. Gladys was taken to Bay Pines Veterinary Clinic after being discovered, and aside from being cold and malnourished, she is in otherwise good health. �Considering the circumstances, we were surprised she fared as well as she did,� DeGroot said. In addition to her eye condition, the poodle is also missing most of her teeth, a sign of the treatment she likely received before being left in the dumpster. �She is such a sweet dog. We know she belonged to someone, because she is housebroken and she loves our attention. We have been fortunate enough to already find a foster home for her, and now we are hoping to find the person(s) responsible for leaving her.�
Jack Balchik, animal control officer for Emmet County, is also hoping to find out who left the poodle in a Home Shopping Network box in Trout Creek�s dumpster. �It is against the law, and is punishable up to $1,000 fine and/or jail time, community service, and restitution,� Balchik said. �Unfortunately, this is not the first time I have seen something like this happen. It is never acceptable though, and we are going to work hard to find who did this.� Balchik said judging by the state the dog was in when it was found, animal neglect charges may eventually be added to the abandonment charge.
DeGroot said anyone who can no longer care for their pet has other options. The Little Traverse Bay Humane Society takes turned-out pets.
�If anyone has any information about this toy poodle or if anyone saw something suspicious at the dumpster New Year�s weekend, we are asking that they contact us,� Balchik said. Those with information about the case may call the Emmet County Animal Control office, (231) 439-8900 or 9-1-1. If you have information on this case, please contact:
Emmet Co Animal Control
(231) 439-8900
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