It was a blazing August morning in New Bern, North Carolina, when a resident stumbled upon a distressing scene on one of the city’s busiest streets. Off to the side of Hotel Drive, a black wired crate sat in the scorching sun, and inside it, a small figure was trapped. Upon closer inspection, the Good Samaritan was shocked to discover a white-and-tan puppy, later named Caerus, abandoned with nothing but an empty food bag and a handwritten note. The note described Caerus as a 12-week-old hound, pleading for someone to take him and care for him. As the temperatures rose, so did the young pup’s distress, but thanks to the quick actions of the passerby, Caerus’ fate took a positive turn.
Rescuer Finds Wire Crate on Road — Discovers Someone Trapped Inside with a Note
A Timely Rescue
The Good Samaritan, realizing the urgency of the situation, moved Caerus out of the direct sunlight and contacted New Bern Animal Control. Officer Kevin Bahr arrived promptly to pick up the young pup and took him to the Craven-Pamlico Animal Services Center (CPASC). Caerus, despite the ordeal of being abandoned, showed an exuberant puppy spirit as he arrived at the shelter. He passed his medical examination without any signs of serious illness or injury, much to the relief of the shelter staff. Dr. Osler, a staff member at CPASC, noted Caerus’ remarkable resilience and affectionate nature. “He is an absolute sweetheart of a puppy,” she said. “He loves to play and cuddle.”
Caerus’ story was one of abandonment, but thanks to the kindness of the Good Samaritan and the dedication of the shelter team, he was given a chance at a new beginning. His spirit remained unbroken, and within a month of his rescue, Caerus had found his forever home. His time at the shelter, while brief, marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, filled with love and security.
A Timely Rescue
The Importance of Responsible Pet Surrender
Caerus’ abandonment highlights a growing issue that CPASC has been facing: an increase in pet abandonment both onsite and offsite at their shelter. Dr. Osler stressed the importance of bringing pets to shelters during operating hours rather than leaving them in dangerous and exposed environments, as was the case with Caerus. “We ask that people bring animals in for surrender during our opening hours,” Dr. Osler said, providing clear guidelines for when and how to surrender pets responsibly.
The shelter’s staff is dedicated to ensuring that every animal has a safe space to be cared for, and abandoning pets in crates or on the side of the road can have severe consequences. Caerus was fortunate to have been found before the heat could cause him serious harm, but not all pets are so lucky. Abandonment is not only dangerous but illegal, carrying a potential fine of up to $1,000. While CPASC has not recently pressed charges for abandonment, Dr. Osler urged the public to respect the law and to work with shelters to ensure the safety and well-being of their pets.
A Happy Ending for Caerus
Despite his rocky start, Caerus’ story had a happy ending. After receiving love and care from the team at CPASC, Caerus blossomed into a healthy and playful puppy. His journey from an abandoned crate on the side of the road to finding a forever family is a testament to the dedication of shelter workers and the compassion of the Good Samaritan who stepped in to help.
A Happy Ending for Caerus
Caerus’ story also serves as a reminder of the importance of adopting from local shelters. His new family was willing to open their hearts and home to a shelter dog, giving Caerus the chance to live the life he deserves. Thanks to the collective efforts of everyone involved, Caerus’ worst days are now behind him, and his future looks bright.
His story is not only a personal triumph but also a powerful message about the consequences of pet abandonment and the importance of supporting local shelters. CPASC continues to work tirelessly to provide care and find loving homes for pets like Caerus, reminding the community of the vital role they play in ensuring the well-being of all animals.
