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Dog abandoned in plastic crate in woods
By Jeanne Starmack
Sharpsville, Pa.
Who put a dog in a plastic crate, covered the crate with a towel and left it in woods along railroad tracks?
The Humane Society of Mercer County would like to know and is planning to cite the person responsible for abandoning the 5-pound female Maltese named Shelby. There’s a $500 reward for information that leads to that citation.
Shelby, who’s estimated to be about 2 years old, was found Tuesday morning by a woman who was out for a walk, heard a noise and discovered the crate in woods near Muscarella’s restaurant on West Main Street, said Sandi Drabick, executive director of the Humane Society.
The woman took the crate to a local groomer’s, and what they found inside was an underweight, flea-infested dog with toenails so long they were curling, Drabick said.
The groomer called the Humane Society and gave the dog several baths to remove some of the fleas.
A veterinarian who examined the dog said she is anemic — likely because of so many flea bites, Drabick said.
“There’s hair missing, bones showing,” Drabick said. Shelby should weigh about 8 pounds, not 5, for an adult dog of her breed.
Her hair loss is possibly because of the fleas.
Drabick said the Humane Society will look for a foster home and then a permanent home for Shelby, who’s now at Greenville Veterinary Clinic.
“They [clinic staff] said she’s absolutely wonderful,” Drabick said. “The only thing is she had an issue with the bigger dogs — that’s a fear thing.”
Anyone with information on who owns or could have abandoned Shelby can call the Humane Society at 724-981-5445. People can also mail information to the Humane Society at 1280 Dutch Lane, Hermitage, Pa., 16148.
Donations also are being accepted for Shelby’s vet care. People who wish to contribute can make checks payable to the Humane Society of Mercer County, and send them to the above address.