Sick dog abandoned outside animal hospital

9-year-old Pomeranian mix required emergency surgery

MIAMI – A gravely ill dog was found abandoned outside an animal hospital Thursday, and the search continues for her owners.

"When I was turning in to the park, I saw the basket," said Barbara Weeks. "As you can see, it is in a shaded area and it was pretty cold yesterday."

Surveillance video at the Animal Welfare Society, located at 2601 SW 27th Avenue in Miami, recorded a couple leaving a sick dog named Brownie outside.

"She is about 9-years-old. The couple did come into the lobby. Our doctor was doing an emergency surgery, so our receptionist said they could not be seen at that point," said Weeks. "There was a comment made in the lobby. The lady told the husband, 'You should have just left her here and not asked any questions.'"

Instead of waiting, the couple apparently dumped the dog.

The Pomeranian mix required emergency surgery.

"We are hoping and praying that she will make it through," added Weeks.

The not-for-profit animal hospital typically works with low-income pet owners. Weeks said Brownie appears to have been neglected for years.

"Her teeth are really bad. She has had a lot of mammary tumors. She was not spayed," Weeks said. "They (the couple) should be ashamed of themselves. They should think that this is like their daughter since they had her for nine years."

If Brownie survives, the hospital must find her a home.

"We are not allowed to keep animals here unless they are sick. We are not an adoption agency or a shelter," said Weeks.

Local 10 first shared this story in the 12 p.m. news broadcast. The animal hospital said it received such an outpouring of support for little Brownie they now want to change her name.

"Thanks to you guys many many phone calls. Some donations have come in to continue her treatment and some people that are interested in adopting her," said Weeks. "Maybe we should call her Hope, I think it would be a nicer name and we are all hoping she will get better."

Anyone interested in adopting Brownie can contact the Animal Welfare Society at 305-858-3501.