A 5-month-old puppy discovered with the phrases “free” and “good home only” scrawled on its fur in permanent marker has found a new home.
Officers were called to Yoctangee Park on the evening of May 24 for a dog abandoned in a box, according to the Ross County Humane Society. The dog was sent to a humane organization for evaluation and was subsequently named Marvella, which means “to wonder at a miracle.”
The dog was adopted by a Chillicothe-area family on Wednesday, less than a week after she was found. According to Jenn Thomas, director of the Ross County Humane Society, the dog received over 90 adoption applications from people all across the nation.
Marvella was given a bath to remove as much of the marking as possible, as well as vaccines, treats, and love, according to a humane society press release.
Marvella, who was found on May 24 with permanent marker writing on her fur, now plays at the Ross County Humane Society.
Thomas feels that this case will educate the public that leaving a dog when an owner is unable to care for one is not an option.
“Marvella and the other 1,200 dogs that come through the shelter each year are incredibly lucky to have fantastic programs to help them,” Thomas said. “Many free dogs given away on Craigslist or by others are used as bait dogs in dogfighting rings, medical testing, or other appropriate homes.”
Marvella, a 5-month-old puppy spotted with permanent marker on her hair, was adopted on Wednesday morning at the Ross County Humane Society.
According to Thomas, the application process includes a series of questions about the dog’s behavior and health to ensure they’re a good match for adoption, as well as a $50 surrender fee, which may be waived in certain circumstances.
Local shelters and pet rescues, as well as the humane society, may be found through social media.
Unfortunately, Thomas said that what happened to Marvella was hardly the worst thing that has ever happened to a dog.
“There are always other options,” she pointed out. “They may not be simple alternatives, but there are always better alternatives.”
Every year, the humanitarian charity caters for hundreds of creatures, including Marvella. Visit their website to learn more about the humane society or to make a donation.