A dog in Wisconsin found tied to a fire hydrant in a Green Bay neighborhood is “doing great,” according to the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS).
Kylie Rose Engelhardt, a local resident, found the mixed-breed dog earlier in the week. The large backpack containing dog supplies, including toys and treats, was tied to her fire hydrant.
According to Engelhardt’s Facebook post, she sat with the abandoned dog for an hour, hoping someone would come back for her, but no one did. She ultimately brought the dog to WHS’s shelter in Green Bay.
It turned out that the previous owner intentionally left the puppy there due to personal circumstances.
According to a note, the six-year-old pup’s name is “Baby Girl.” The previous owner said she was struggling with medical issues and could no longer care for her pet, leaving her with no choice but to make the heartbreaking decision.
“The note asked that someone please help Baby Girl,” Angela Speed, a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Humane Society, told HuffPost.
As Engelhardt’s post started getting traction, the unidentified owner also began getting backlash from the public.
WHS posted an update on Baby Girl on their Facebook Page to provide more context. Their post begins by explaining that the dog is “serving her mandatory stray hold” under their care and is “doing great.”
“As her story gains attention locally and beyond, we wanted to take a moment to address Baby Girl’s previous owner directly,” they wrote.
“First and foremost, we are so sorry you had to part with your best friend,” they continued. “It’s evident just how much you loved her and we can see you did your best while struggling with your own medical complications and challenges of life.”
The animal rescue organization listed the reasons they believe Baby Girl’s previous owner was just trying to do what’s best for her beloved dog.
“We see your love in the bag you carefully packed with all of her favorite things. We see your love in the way you secured her leash so she wouldn’t get hit by a car. We see your love in the way you placed her in the middle of a neighborhood where she’d be quickly found. We see your love through Baby Girl’s smile and health. And we see your love in the note you left, pleading for someone to help her when you no longer could,” they said.
The dog, described by Speed as “affectionate and delightful,” will probably be up for adoption in the coming days after clearing some more veterinary checks.
“She’s a happy girl who loves to go for walks, play with toys, and gets super excited to perform a perfect ‘sit’ for treats,” Speed said.
As the story made rounds on social media and the news, Baby Girl’s previous owner, who wished to keep her anonymity, reached out to Action 2 News to explain her decision.
She admitted that leaving her dog on the fire hydrant was the most difficult thing she’s ever had to do, but it was her only choice.
She is going through chemotherapy and living on the street, making it impossible for her to provide for Baby Girl’s needs.
“So I’m on the streets with her, and I said, it needs to be done immediately because she’s with me outside, under bushes. And they said we can’t do anything. We don’t have any kennels,” she said.
The owner claimed that she tried calling various humane societies and going doortodoor in an effort to find someone willing, but it was in vain. She finally decided to follow the advice of the police to surrender in an emergency.
She was just a block from the police station as she watched her dog and backpack get picked up by them.
“When I put her on the hydrant, I just saw her face that she was like, mom, what, what’s going on here?” she recalled.
Today, she hopes Baby Boy will find a good home for her and that her reasons for leaving her will be understood by others.
“I hope she finds a fantastic family. She deserves it. Please forgive me and bless Baby girl. Make sure she’s ok,” she said.
WHS also used this opportunity to inform the public that anyone who is unable to care for their animal can bring them to a shelter, rather than leaving them outside.
“You will be met at the door with the same compassion and respect that we bring to animals in our care. We never want anyone to hesitate to seek our services,” Speed said.
Click the video below from Fox 6 News Milwaukee to learn more about this story.
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