Dog abandoned at Hillsboro vet finds new home
Staff writer
Staff at Hillsboro Animal Clinic found a dog that had been left in a crate at their front door when they arrived Monday morning.
Wondering if the dog had been abandoned, they posted photos of it on their social media page and asked for information.
“This female dog was left in a crate at the clinic front door,” they said. “Any information on this dog would be appreciated! If this is a dog that was just not wanted please at least call and anonymously let us know so that we can find her a home.”
Three hours later, staff posted that an anonymous caller had answered.
“Shortly after my post an anonymous caller informed us that the dog was indeed dumped,” they said. “My heart is so full with the responses that I received stating people wanted to give her a home. I went the first-come-first-serve route and she has already been placed in a forever home. Meagan Schmitt, thank you for having such a kind heart!”
Schmitt said she is already in love with the four-to-six-month-old puppy she has named Dolly.
“She is a very beautiful and well behaved puppy,” she said. “She’s full of energy and has already made herself at home. She loves running around the yard and playing with her new tennis ball. I owe a big thanks to the ladies at the Hillsboro Veterinary Clinic for contacting me right away and for helping her find a loving home.”
Dolly hit it off immediately with the family’s black Labrador retriever, May.
Veterinarians there declined to discuss the incident with the Marion County Record.
Reports in other areas say many people are surrendering their animals because of COVID-19 fears.
Marion veterinarian Jessica Laurin said a veterinary medical supply company recently conducted a test to see if animals can transmit the virus.
“They tested 2,000 dogs and cats,” Laurin said.
The tests found animals don’t become infected with COVID-19 and pass it to humans.
Laurin said if someone who has COVID-19 kisses their dog, the dog would not be affected by it, but could pass it to a family member.
“If you do have someone in the household with COVID-19, it would not be encouraged that you have close contact with the dog with your mouth,” Laurin said.
Laurin speculated people may be surrendering pets out of fear they might lose income and not be able to take care of them.
She suggested that anyone who can spare a donation for Caring Hands Humane Society in Newton, which serves Marion County, might make one in case the Humane Society does become deluged with surrendered pets.