On a Halloween morning in El Monte, California, a couple made a heartbreaking discovery that has since touched the hearts of many. While walking near their home across from a local church, Gloria and Guillermo Reyes noticed something strange on the curb—a cardboard box wrapped tightly in a black plastic garbage bag. It wasn’t just the odd placement of the box that caught their attention. It was moving.

Stories of animal abandonment are sadly not uncommon, but this one stood out for its chilling details and the innocent life at the center. As the couple approached the box, they saw a small snout pushing through a hole in the cardboard, desperately trying to chew through the plastic. Inside was a golden retriever puppy, weak and scared, yet still clinging to life. The discovery of a dog abandoned in a sealed box is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of animals and the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Piper Wood, founder of the California-based rescue organization Hand in Paw, was contacted shortly after the puppy’s rescue. According to Wood, the couple had first noticed the box the day before but hadn’t seen any movement. It wasn’t until the next morning that they realized someone was trapped inside. “They were shocked,” Wood told The Dodo. “It’s hard to comprehend how someone can consciously take a puppy and leave it to die intentionally like that.”

The puppy, now named Dexter, was immediately taken to a veterinarian. Wood met them there, concerned not only about the trauma Dexter had endured but also about the potential for oxygen deprivation after being sealed in the box for an estimated 24 hours. Though Dexter appeared lethargic and weak, the vet discovered an additional, more serious concern—he was suffering from parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease that attacks a dog’s intestinal lining.

Parvovirus is a condition that, if left untreated, can quickly become fatal, especially in young puppies. Fortunately, Dexter was now in safe hands and receiving the medical attention he needed. Despite his condition, Wood noted that Dexter showed signs of affection. “He’s very lethargic right now … but he does wag his tail and gives kisses,” she said. “You can tell that he’s going to be a really great dog, but he’s just not feeling well right now.”

Veterinary care and early intervention are critical in cases like Dexter’s. While it’s impossible to know exactly how long he had been sick before being abandoned, Wood suspects he came from a backyard breeder. “We see it all the time,” she explained. “As soon as those dogs show any sign of illness, they get immediately tossed out. This is just very disturbing.”

The term “backyard breeder” refers to individuals who breed dogs without proper veterinary oversight, often prioritizing profit over animal welfare. When puppies like Dexter fall ill, some breeders may choose to abandon them rather than pay for treatment. This situation highlights the ongoing issue of irresponsible breeding practices and the need for stricter regulations and public awareness.

Despite his rough start, Dexter’s future is now looking brighter. Wood shared that Hand in Paw has already received hundreds of adoption offers for the golden retriever puppy. “He’s a golden retriever, so he’s adorable,” she said. But more than his breed, it’s Dexter’s resilience and gentle spirit that are winning hearts.

As someone who follows animal rescue stories, I found this detail striking: even after such neglect and trauma, Dexter still wags his tail and offers affection. It speaks volumes about the resilience of animals and their ability to trust again when shown kindness.

Wood and her team are determined to find Dexter the best forever home once he’s fully recovered. In the meantime, she is offering a $2,000 reward for any information that could lead to the identification of the person responsible for abandoning him. This call to action serves not only as an appeal for justice but also as a deterrent to others who might consider similar actions.

Animal abandonment is a serious issue, and Dexter’s story is a sobering example of the consequences. Yet, it’s also a testament to the power of compassion—from the couple who stopped to investigate a moving box, to the rescue team that stepped in to help, to the many people now eager to give Dexter a loving home. For those who want to support Dexter or other animals in need, donations to Hand in Paw can make a meaningful difference.

Read more at thedodo.com