It's sad but true: the team of animal heroes at SPCA in Lakeland, FL, is no longer surprised by overnight deliveries of unwanted dogs and cats. Surrendering a pet can be extremely difficult and stressful, but the lengths some people go to to avoid these feelings is downright irresponsible and potentially deadly.
In 2013, workers stumbled upon a cardboard box left on the welcome mat outside the Lakeland animal shelter. The box was taped up nice and tight, and labeled "Stray Puppy." Left outside in the sweltering heat, whatever was trapped inside could only see the world through a small round hole in the cardboard.
Employee Martha Lee tore open the box, and there she was, a 10-week-old puppy with pink nails. She was hungry, thirsty, and absolutely ecstatic to be out of the box for good.
Reckless surrenders happen when owners feel too embarrassed or guilty to surrender a pet in person, so they abandon animals and leave them when no one is around to see them. SPCA Lakeland says this happens at least twice a week.
The adorable brown puppy you're about to meet became a poster dog for reckless surrender. She only spent a few days at the shelter before going up for adoption and finding her loving forever family.
Please SHARE this with your friends on Facebook, and warn others about the dangers of reckless surrendering!
