A confused German shepherd was left tied to a 60 lb cinder block and abandoned outside during a severe Oregon storm. The helpless animal was discovered in the middle of the road in the town of Woodburn last week.
Discovery and Rescue
Local police officers received a call early Wednesday morning and found the dog tethered to the rock near the 600 block of Willow Avenue. The area had been hit by heavy rain, thunder, and 20 mph winds during a storm the night before.
Officers safely rescued the animal and provided food and water before transporting him to the Marion County Dog Shelter for further care.
Appeal for Information
Woodburn Police (WPD) are now turning to the public for help in determining how the dog came to be abandoned. 'We are asking the public for help in identifying the dog or its owner,' the department's Facebook post stated. 'If you have information or video surveillance footage from the area that could help investigators determine how the dog was left there, please contact WPD.'
Witness Account
Neighbors were shocked by the cruel abandonment. Resident Michael Bartone told KOIN 6 News he heard a noise that stopped him in his tracks. 'I looked out my window here and saw a dog in the road pulling a big cinder block behind him,' he said.
Bartone, extremely worried about the canine, brought out food and water and sat with him, hoping his owner would come fetch him—but they never did. 'I'm a dog guy, I was worried. He's on a four-foot tether on a cinder block that's 50-60 pounds,' Bartone told the outlet. 'Not a safe situation for a dog, and it was stuck between the wheel and the sidewalk on the road. Also not good for a dog to be on the road stuck. So I wanted to make sure it was safe,' he added.
Dog's Condition
The dog is believed to be a male German Shepherd around seven years old. While there have been no formal updates, the Marion County Dog Shelter shared on their website that a male German shepherd, around seven years old, was picked up on the same day in Woodburn. 'The dog was in good shape, like it didn't seem malnourished, very friendly,' Bartone added. 'So I know that it probably has an owner somewhere looking for him. I just hope they get reunited.'
The Daily Mail reached out to Woodburn Police and Marion County Shelter for comment.
