A 5-month-old puppy found with the words “free” and “good home only” written on its fur in permanent marker has found a new home.
According to the Ross County Humane Society, Chillicothe police was called to Yoctangee Park in the evening of May 24 for a dog abandoned in a crate. The dog was taken to the humane society for assessment and later deemed Marvella, meaning “miracle to marvel at.”
Less than a week after she was found, the puppy was adopted on Wednesday by a family who lives in the Chillicothe area. Ross County Humane Society Director Jenn Thomas said the organization received about 90 adoption applications for the dog from all over the country.
A press release from the humane society notes Marvella was given a bath to remove as much of the marker as possible, in addition to receiving vaccinations, treats, and love.
Thomas said she hopes the public will learn from this case that abandoning a dog shouldn’t be an option for an owner who can’t keep a dog.
“Marvella, and then 1,200 other dogs who cross our path at the shelter each year are very lucky that we have wonderful programs to help these animals,” Thomas said. “Many dogs who are given away free via CraigsList or other avenues are subject to people using them as bait dogs in dogfighting rings, medical testing, or otherwise suitable homes.”
Locally, Thomas said there are options from Chillicothe to Columbus for people to surrender their dogs if need be. Because the humane society is not an open intake shelter and has a contract with the county dog warden to take their dogs, they have a limited amount of space. But they do have an application for intake, Thomas said.
The application process includes a series of questions about behavior and health of the dog to ensure they’re an adoption candidate and has a $50 surrender fee, which Thomas said can be waived in certain situations.
In addition to the humane society, local shelters and pet rescues can be found through social media.
Unfortunately, Thomas said what happened to Marvella isn’t the worst thing they’ve seen done to a dog.
“There are always other options,” she said. “They may not be easy options, but there are always better options.”
Marvella was one of hundreds of dogs the humane society cares for each year. For more information about the humane society or to make a donation, visit their website.