LONGMONT, Colo. — Longmont Animal Control officers are trying to figure out who left two small dogs in a dumpster near Zlatan Drive and Timm Way.
Neighbors found the Shih Tzu puppies huddled together in the trash Tuesday morning. Cierra Barajas, who was walking her own dogs nearby, said a neighbor approached her.
"He came up to me and told me that he found the dogs in the trash," Barajas said. "It was literally the closest dumpster to me [and] my apartment unit."
Barajas said the dogs seemed terrified.
"Eventually, I jumped in there and started feeding them some leftover ground beef that I had in the fridge," she said.
Barajas took them to the Longmont Humane Society for care. Humane Society Deputy Director Cliff Cullen said this seems rare, but it's a good reminder there are other options for pet owners in distress.
"Our facility offers an after-hours drop-off service for animals and it's a safe, temperature-controlled space with food and water," he said.
The shelter checks the kennels every morning. It is open to anyone who needs it, even after they close. The Humane Society can accept animals within their jurisdiction.
Longmont Animal Control says a veterinarian has evaluated the two dogs. Despite the ordeal, the pups are in good condition with both being clean, healthy and well-groomed.
At this time, the investigation is open and the pets are not up for adoption while officers try to identify who abandoned the dogs. Anyone with any video footage that might help track down the person responsible is asked to call 303-651-8501 and reference the report number, 24-11459.