SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — An elderly dog is recovering in an animal hospital after being abandoned by its owner and found tied to a park picnic table by a short leash without food and water.
A note left behind by the apparent surrendering owner says the dog’s name is Max and his approximate age is 17 years old.
“I am a good boy,” the note read. It continued: “My owners can’t take care of me no more. Please help me.”
The dog was found by the staff at Schiller Park when they arrived for work Thursday morning. Police, animal rescue and animal advocates were called to help.
Stefanie Heath, a board member for Cuse Pit Crew, was one of the first to check on the dog who was found emaciated, lethargic and unable to swat away surrounding flies.
“Parks seem to be a hot place for dumping dogs,” said Heath, “and we are trying to encourage people to not do that.”
Heath acknowledges the severe overcrowding of animal shelters, leaving the community with no place to surrender pets.
“We ask that people reach out for help,” said Heath, “whether it’s Cuse Pit Crew or another organization to see if there’s something we can do for help. Help may look different based on your dog’s situation.”
Owners often struggle with rising costs of pet food, limited veterinary options and landlords changing policies on pets in apartments.
“I’m not judging people,” Heath said. “People are in difficult situations and have to make difficult decisions, but this shouldn’t be the decision.”
Heath says Max is improving after emergency veterinarian care and will stay with a foster family.
Syracuse police confirm the arrest of the dog’s former owner. She was charged with abandonment and animal cruelty.
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