Popcorn Park Offering $1,000 Reward Leading To Information About Abandoned Dog

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - Rescuers found little Hope just days after Mabel, an elderly brown Labrador Retriever, died after she was found buried up to her neck in a swamp in the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area.

Mabel died from the trauma of her ordeal less than a week after she was found, despite the efforts of the Popcorn Park Zoo to save her.

Unbelievably, Hope was found in the same dumping ground where Mabel had been pulled from the muck, left alone to fend for herself, according to a post on the Associated Humane Popcorn Park shelter Facebook page.

Hope was found over Labor Day weekend. She had a plastic makeshift collar around her neck with the words "My name is Hope...5 years old, very friendly, housebroken, loves to hunt."

As always, there is the question that has no answer. Why, why would someone do this to a helpless animal?

"Hope was very shaken up upon arrival, and we can certainly understand why," the post states. "Can you just imagine? Being abandoned in the woods, watching your family drive away while you remain, helpless and alone. Hope is certainly feeling the sadness and despair that goes along with such a cruel act, but she is an incredibly sweet dog that is so relieved to be safe and cared for."

The staff quickly gave Hope good meal, fresh water and a comfortable bed. She has eye and ear infections and is very thin. She may also have an eye condition called entropion, which will require surgery.

"We will do everything that is needed to get Hope back to being a healthy and happy girl once again, and we are only able to do this thanks to our generous supporters that donate to our organization and realize how important this work is that we do, the post states.

Popcorn Park is offering a $1,000 reward that lead to the arrest and conviction of whoever abandoned Hope. If you have any information about who did this, please call 609-693-1900 or e-mail njhumane2@aol.com.

To contribute to Hope's care, please text ResQ to 501501 to make a $10.00 donation, or click here to donate to our Res-Q Fund:https://www.ahscares.org/shop/item.asp?itemid=28&catid=5

Photo: Courtesy of Associated Humane Popcorn Park shelter