Owner Abandons Dog in the Cold with Food and a Heart-Wrenching Note; Woman Finds and Rescues It with the Help of the Neighborhood
On the freezing morning of January 13, 2018, Stephanie Dagenhart was walking her dogs in Patterson Park when she stumbled upon a heartbreaking scene. A two-year-old American Bulldog had been left chained to a tree in the frigid temperatures, helpless and shivering.
Stephanie was deeply moved by the sight of the scared and lonely puppy, and she was determined to do everything in her power to save him. The scene became even more emotional as she approached the dog and saw a message that caused her to start crying.
Stephanie, who has a profound compassion for animals, decided she needed to take immediate action to give the dog the attention and love he deserved. “He was just sitting there so somber and freezing cold. I could not get that out of my head; he was shaking so hard from the cold,” the young woman said.
Stephanie observed several of the American Bulldog's possessions, including a kennel, food, and a chew toy. The Natty Boh Man, a well-known Baltimore emblem featuring a mustachioed, one-eyed man that represents National Bohemian Beer, was embroidered on the dog's collar.
After realizing the urgent need for help, Stephanie Dagenhart decided to take the American Bulldog to BARCS, which stands for Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter.
There was a note on the grass approximately ten feet from the dog explaining the tragic circumstances.
A Dog Was Left Chained to a Tree in the Frigid Temperatures, Helpless and Shivering
The dog's previous owner left a message stating that the white dog needed to find a new home. Stephanie read the note and was moved to tears by the description of the dog's situation.
The heartbreaking note says:
“My name is Duke. Here’s my favorite toy and my food. I am looking for a new home.”
Stephanie Was Extremely Moved by the Sight of the Scared and Lonely Puppy
The Scene Became Even More Emotional as She Walked Up to the Dog
The dog, however, wasn't in a friendly mood and didn't want anyone approaching him. Understanding that he needed time and space, Stephanie decided to sit with the dog to offer companionship and keep him from feeling abandoned.
The Dog's Previous Owner Left a Message Stating That the White Dog Needed to Find a New Home
Stephanie wanted to assist the dog right away, but she was aware that time was of the essence. She called the police to alert the animal protection division and turned to social media, primarily Facebook, to ask for assistance from her neighborhood.
Stephanie used Duke's name to reassure him and let him know he wasn't alone, clearly demonstrating how much she cared for him.
Stephanie Used Duke's Name to Reassure Him and Let Him Know He Wasn't Alone
Unexpectedly, the neighborhood banded together to support Duke. Following Stephanie's Facebook post, locals went to the park with comfort items like blankets, towels, and treats for Duke.
Some even offered advice on how to make him feel more at ease. Thankfully, the animal control officers showed up within an hour and transported Duke to BARCS, as Stephanie had hoped.
Due to her social media post, Duke's adoption requests at the rescue facility were inundated.
Following Stephanie's Facebook Post, Locals Went to the Park with Comfort Items
Duke was unable to be adopted right away due to a legal barrier, however! As a result of state law and the fact that his owners did not formally surrender him, according to Bailey Deacon, director of communications at BARCS, Duke had to undergo a mandated 72-hour stray hold.
But when the hold was lifted, he would be eligible for adoption. Deacon stated that Duke's owners were not interested in keeping him, and she was confident they would find him the ideal home.
Thankfully, the Animal Control Officers Showed Up and Duke Will Be Eligible for Adoption
Duke was thriving at the shelter six days after his rescue because he was well cared for and no longer left outside in the cold. Deacon described Duke as being very trustworthy, eager to meet new people, and a delight to be around due to his contagious smile and tail wag.
She Was Confident They Would Find Duke the Ideal Home
The person who first saved Duke, Stephanie Dagenhart, expressed her appreciation for the community's efforts, but she believed that saving him was simply the right thing to do. She wishes Duke a good life and a place to call home.
Every pet needs a loving home, so it's crucial to give up pets that can't be cared for properly or humanely. Duke getting a second chance at life is wonderful, in our opinion.
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