When the Ann Arbor Police Department (AAPD) opened the dumpster lid at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, they knew they'd find more than just trash. But it was still disappointing to see a sweet dog looking up at them with trepidation in his eyes.
The 10-year-old black and white pit bull mix should’ve been sleeping in a dog bed, not crouching in the dark of a sealed dumpster
The dog wasn’t wearing a collar, and a scan for a microchip came back negative. The police, working with Washtenaw County Animal Control, gently lifted the dog out of the trash, noting what appeared to be a large tumor on his left side. It was clear the senior pup needed help but, instead, was thrown away.
The police brought the still-nameless dog to the Humane Society of Huron Valley for medical treatment. The pup was understandably “nervous but very sweet,” according to the shelter, after being through so much.
"Yesterday afternoon we let this guy decompress and got him out for his first walk in the evening. He didn't seem to want to go far but enjoyed sniffing around and taking treats. He had a big day!” Humane Society of Huron Valley wrote in an update on Facebook.
Facebook/City of Ann Arbor - Police DepartmentA lot is still being uncovered about the mysterious dog left to fend for himself in the trash, but so far he's been adjusting to life in the shelter. "He's in stable condition,” the shelter told The Dodo. “He's gotten out for a couple of (slow) walks and enjoys sniffing, but may be hard of hearing.”
One thing they know for sure is that he loves cheese.
While the shelter tries to assess the pup's health, the police are hoping to find out how such a sweet dog ended up in such dire straits. They urge anyone who may recognize him or has information about his owner to call the AAPD front desk at (734) 794-6920 or email the tip line at tips@a2gov.org.
Still, the empathetic response the dog has received online and from the local community has warmed the hearts of those helping him: “Please know that, regardless of how he ended up in the dumpster, the majority of our community is filled with compassionate people like all of you," Humane Society of Huron Valley wrote on Facebook. "That always gives us hope, and we hope it does for you as well!"