S.C. Rescue Saves Dog Left in Dumpster from Being Put Down: She Wants 'to Be Given a Chance' (Exclusive)
Sydney the dog is now at Dochas n Gra Animal Rescue in Chesterfield, S.C, recovering from an upper respiratory infection
Cumberland County Animal Services Officer (ASO) Audrey Hill
Sydney the dog in the dumpster where she was found by Cumberland County Animal ServicesSydney went from a dog in the trash to a treasured pet, thanks to a South Carolina animal rescue.
According to a July 8 Facebook post from Cumberland County Animal Services in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Sydney (formerly known as Sadie) was recently discovered abandoned in a dumpster.
The agency wrote on social that the dog "pottied in the house and she bit her owner after being physically disciplined. After the incident, the owner threw her in the dumpster."
Cumberland County Animal Services picked up the pup from the dumpster and brought her to its shelter. Because of the dog's alleged bite history, Cumberland County Animal Services started searching for a rescue, instead of an adopter, to take over the dog's care.
The N.C. agency contacted rescue partners and posted on Facebook to search for a new rescue home for Sydney. On social media, Cumberland County Animal Services stressed the importance of Sydney finding a new home soon because her hold at the county shelter was expiring, which meant her euthanization date was rapidly approaching.
Cumberland County Rescue and Foster Coordinator, Anna Hill
Sydney the rescue dogLuckily, Dochas n Gra Animal Rescue of Chesterfield, S.C., stepped in before it was too late for Sydney.
"She was on her last day. She was going to be euthanized, and she was sick with an upper respiratory infection," Victoria McGonigal, the founder of Dochas n Gra Animal Rescue, tells PEOPLE.
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McGonigal says Dochas n Gra Animal Rescue has a "good working relationship" with Cumberland County Animal Services and knows the shelter is often "hurting for room." So when she heard Sydney needed a no-kill rescue home immediately, McGonigal volunteered Dochas n Gra Animal Rescue.
"We are very glad we were able to rescue Sadie from a potentially dangerous situation and find her a safe place with Dochas n Gra Animal Rescue out of Chesterfield, South Carolina. We hope anyone facing difficulties in keeping their pet will contact their local shelter rather than abandon the animal to an uncertain fate. Additionally, we urge people to spay or neuter their pets to help address the current overpopulation crisis in shelters like ours," Elaine Smith, the director of Cumberland County Animal Services, told PEOPLE in a statement.
Victoria McGonigal
Sydney the dog at Dochas n Gras Animal Rescue"We could not see putting down a sweet girl like her," McGonigal says.
The rescue picked up Sydney and brought her to her new home, a nonprofit rescue and sanctuary focusing on animals needing medical and hospice care.
Related: Hikers Find German Shepherd Dog with His Mouth 'Cruelly Zip Tied Shut' Abandoned in Calif. Canyon
McGonigal says Sydney is "doing great" since moving in.
"She loves everyone she has met, loves snuggles and kisses, and listens very well," she adds.
Victoria McGonigal
Sydney (right) with a dog friend at Dochas n Gra Animal RescueSydney is focusing on her health in the days ahead. She is visiting the vet on Monday to get help with her upper respiratory infection.
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After she recovers and is spayed, Sydney will start preparing for a forever home with help from Dochas N Gra Animal Rescue.
McGonigal hopes Sydney's impressive turnaround inspires others to "Adopt, don't shop."
Sydney and other rescue animals want "to be given a chance and loved," she adds.
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