The Washington Humane Society is nursing an abandoned, undernourished dog back to health.
Thomas, a 6-year-old poodle mix, was found locked inside a cage behind a Dumpster at the Douglas Knoll apartment complex at 3331 22nd Street SE.
A maintenance man discovered the dog and notified the Society. Thomas was found severely matted and his coat was soaked in urine. At 10 pounds, Thomas was about half the size he should be. The cage was also filled with feces, indicating the dog was housed in it for a while.
“The crate was filthy,” said Washington Humane Society Officer Jennifer Gardner. “He had probably a week's worth of feces and urine inside the crate. No water, no food, just real filthy.”
Officers took Thomas to the vet. He was treated for emaciation and infections in both ears, and was groomed. Thomas is currently at the WHS shelter on Georgia Avenue in Northwest.
WHS believes the dog’s owner dumped the dog overnight Sunday. Now the Society is offering $1,000 for information on the owner's whereabouts.
And they’re hoping this story will teach pet owners there are other options out there.
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“If you can’t take care of your dog anymore you can always surrender your dog to the shelter,” Gardner said. “We’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So it’s just inexcusable to throw your dog out with the trash.”
Thomas is now recovering, eating steady meals and enjoying the company of others. He’s not ready to be adopted, but in two weeks, once he gets his weight up and is cleared by doctors, the Washington Humane Society hopes to find Thomas a good home.
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