10-Year-Old Poodle Was Thrown Out With Garbage. When Rescuers Find Him He Does the Sweetest Thing.

Treasure is a ten-year-old blind Poodle who was found in Beaufort County, South Carolina in a dumpster, seemingly thrown away like trash by his owners. Treasure had only known severe neglect for most of his life before his rescue. Beaufort County Police and the community want justice, and are doing everything in their power to find the senior dog’s owners so that they can be held accountable for this horrendous crime.

Dog Rescue: Blind 10-Year-Old Poodle Abandoned in Dumpster Has Luckiest Break Ever Thanks to Late Trash Pickup

Local Good Samaritan Hears Treasure’s Cries

On Saturday, February 24th, Noah’s Arks, a non-profit rescue organization, posted Treasure’s story to their website. Treasure was found by a good Samaritan when the unidentified woman heard “yelping and screaming” coming from a parking lot dumpster where she worked in Burton. She opened the dumpster and was shocked to find a sealed bag full of trash, dirty diapers, and the dog, Treasure, with no possible way for the dog to escape.

Dog Rescue: Blind 10-Year-Old Poodle Abandoned in Dumpster Has Luckiest Break Ever Thanks to Late Trash Pickup
Source: Noahs Arks Rescue

The woman found a piece of fencing and used it to rip the bag open and free Treasure from her predicament. A representative from Noah’s Ark said, “Usually, the dumpster would have already been picked up and compacted, but they were 30 minutes late this morning.” Treasure had a guardian angel watching out for him that morning. 

Dr. Campbell Fights to Keep Treasure Alive

Local Animal Control transported Treasure to Port Royal Veterinary Hospital for emergency treatment. The vet, Dr. Marikay Campbell, couldn’t believe the “unimaginable condition” that Treasure was in. The dog’s entire body was covered in huge mats, including his eyes which were completely covered and couldn’t be seen. He was also covered with feces and urine. 

Dog Rescue: Blind 10-Year-Old Poodle Abandoned in Dumpster Has Luckiest Break Ever Thanks to Late Trash Pickup
Source: Noahs Arks Rescue

The doctor and her staff began the process of caring for the dog and his injuries. Two pounds of matted fur were removed from Treasure’s body. He had cataracts in both eyes leaving him completely blind. He weighed only 10 pounds (a medium sized Poodle weighs around 30 pounds) and was severely malnourished. His nails were over an inch long and curled under his feet, making it painful and difficult to walk. Based on the doctor’s assessment, “He had to have been confined to a kennel for most of his life.” 

The neglected Poodle has many medical issues that need to be addressed, but the most critical one is for Treasure to get the nutrition he needs to survive. He is starved and hungry, but the doctor is concerned about “refeeding syndrome”; if he eats too much too fast, it could kill him. His body quite literally needs to learn how to eat and process food again. They’re also hoping that eye surgery could potentially restore some of his vision.

Dog Rescue: Blind 10-Year-Old Poodle Abandoned in Dumpster Has Luckiest Break Ever Thanks to Late Trash Pickup
Source: Noahs Arks Rescue

While Treasure has lived a very sad life up until this point, he seems to understand that he’s been saved. “Treasure is a sweet, sweet pup who gave all the staff kisses yesterday. He is a loving dog despite his abuse and neglect.”

The Outraged Community Is Demanding Justice for Treasure

Appalled by the significant neglect and abuse, the community is urging the police department to find the owner and charge them for their crimes. The police are asking anybody with knowledge of the dog or the owner to come forward. They took DNA samples from the diapers that were in the trash bag Treasure was found in and are hoping to find a connection to the owner that way. If you have any information, please call Sgt. Swalm at 843-255-3215 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry tip line at 843-554-1111.

Dog Rescue: Blind 10-Year-Old Poodle Abandoned in Dumpster Has Luckiest Break Ever Thanks to Late Trash Pickup
Source: Noahs Arks Rescue

Treasure’s condition is currently “stable and comfortable”, but it will be a long road to recovery that will hopefully end in adoption and a loving family to care for him in his final years of life. If you’d like to help ensure that Treasure gets the best medical care possible, you can donate on the Noah’s Ark website.


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