A small dog was found in a crate on the side of the road Sunday, and authorities are seeking the public’s help finding the person who left him.
“They just abandoned it on the side of the road in 100-degree temperatures,” Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell said.
The dog appeared to be okay, Cardwell said, “but really I don’t know; animal control has it now.”
The crate was noticed by a driver traveling along Industrial Boulevard at Ted Dunn Road around 12:45 p.m. on Aug. 13, Cardwell said. The police chief noted that whoever had abandoned the dog left a bowl of water and some food in the crate.
Putnam County Animal Services told The Eatonton Messenger Monday that the dog was “too freaked out” for photos and could not have visitors until he became more acclimated to his new situation.
“It was clearly a pet of some sort,” said Putnam Animal Control Director Christine Tillman. “(The owner needed) to do their very best to try to relocate that animal with a family member, a friend, and use us as a last resort. It’s small, I’d say it’s fairly purebred or close to being a purebred. It’s not like a 150-pound dog you’re having trouble finding a home for. It’s little.”
Noting that picking up strays is a daily occurrence for Putnam’s Animal Services, Tillman advised any pet owner who can no longer take care of their pet to “not wait until the last minute. There’s no justification for abandoning an animal.”
Tillman suggested checking with humane societies and rescue groups, anything but abandoning on the side of the road.
To the many people who commented online that they want to adopt this particular dog, Tillman said, “We’ve got so many in here (at Putnam Animal Services). If this one would not work out, we’ve got others. You can come to check.”
Anyone who recognizes the dog or knows anything about its abandonment should call Eatonton Police Department at 706-485-3551. All calls will be kept anonymous.
Putnam County Animal Services, located at 107 Ridley Drive in Eatonton, can be reached at 706-485-3970.