“We thought the call was a prank,” Christie Peters, director of Richmond Animal Care & Control (ACC), told The Dodo. “It just didn’t seem possible.”
But when rescuers arrived at the scene, the grim reality became clear. Inside a residential mailbox, someone had hidden a small, one-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix, zipped up inside a soft carrier bag. It was an act of unspeakable cruelty and thoughtlessness.
When questioned by the officers, the homeowners were completely shocked. They had no idea an animal had just been 'posted' in their mailbox and were very cooperative with the authorities.
A speedy makeover
Thankfully, the little dog wasn't injured by her ordeal. Once freed from the bag, she immediately showed her rescuers how relieved she was.
Although her coat was very matted and dirty, a good bath and a thorough grooming soon had her looking her best again. As well as getting her soft, silky coat back, the little rescue dog quickly revealed her true personality: she's an incredibly sweet little thing who just loves cuddles. Amused by the circumstances of her discovery, one of her rescuers, Officer Chloe Houston, affectionately named her Mail Order Bride.
An ongoing investigation
While the little dog enjoys the comfort of the shelter and the daily care of the vet team, an investigation is underway. The authorities are trying to understand how she ended up there and to identify the person responsible for this cruel act of abandonment.
As soon as she is ready, the little dog will be put up for adoption to find the loving family she deserves. “We are so thankful that someone called us and tipped us off,” concluded Christie Peters. It was a life-saving phone call that prevented the worst from happening to this pocket-sized pup.