Update on German Shepherd Mix Puppy Abandoned in Parking Lot Is Touching Hearts

On Thursday, April 25th, a 3-month-old German Shepherd mix puppy was dumped in a parking lot at the Country Living mobile home park in California. A vehicle was captured on the park's security camera and showed the car stop as someone let the dog out before driving away. Sadly, the confused puppy didn't know what to do or what was going on and ran after the people that just abandoned her.

The puppy was taken to the Fresno Animal Center where workers hoped it would be adopted. The Daily Mail shared a 'PUPdate' about the puppy on Wednesday, May 8th, and it sounds like the puppy found a forever family! Watch on to hear more about the puppy's story and its happy ending.

I'm so glad that the puppy found a forever home! Meredith Gintzig-Hayes is a first responder, and she hired someone to drive more than 2,700 miles from North Carolina to California to rescue the pup, as she was unable to leave work. The puppy was named Phoenix by her new owners and is now being trained to be a therapy dog in hospitals and hospices. Daily Mail commenters had all the feels about this story and left nearly 500 comments, most saying they hoped that the person who dumped her was caught. As of this writing, the person has not been caught. I think @Heather spoke for all of us when she said, "Breaks my HEART someone could drive away watching their dog chase after them in the mirror. So glad she got rescued!"

Related: Abandoned Pup Found Wandering the Streets Becomes Award-Winning Police Dog

Why Rescuing Dogs Is Important

Meredith told Inside Edition, "When I saw her video I truly connected with her and decided come heck or high water she would be ours."

There are so many dogs that end up in shelters due to abandonment, growing up as a stray, or being rescued from abuse situations. Many shelters are 'kill shelters', meaning if a dog isn't adopted or taken in by a rescue within a certain amount of time they are euthanized. Instead of buying a dog from a breeder or pet store, many people head to their local shelters to find a dog instead. We recently adopted a puppy from a rescue after her mom and siblings were abandoned, and she's the best dog we've ever had!

Is a rescued dog right for your family? There are several factors to consider, and they are the same as when choosing any pet. How long will the dog be alone during the day? Do you have space for the dog to exercise and play? Do you have children and other pets? Who will be the primary caregiver? Do you have time to train the dog?

While these questions are the same for whatever pet you choose to bring home, the reason why it's even more important with a rescue is because of all the issues they may be coming into your home with already. They can require more attention, more patience, and more time than a puppy or dog from a pet shop or breeder. Many of these dogs, especially dogs that are not puppies - come with some baggage. They may have trust issues, be afraid of everything, have anxiety, or behavioral issues. In short, they can be more work because of all of these issues. On the other hand, all many of them want is a family to love and be loved by.

I'm all for choosing a rescue dog and saving a life, but it isn't for everybody. Make sure to do your research and even talk to others who have brought a rescued dog home. It may be more work than you are willing to commit to.

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.