Elderly Dog Left In Heat, In Cardboard Box, In Monmouth County

A dog who is about 10 years old was left this week in a cardboard box in New Jersey, exposed in the sun for hours with no food or water – on the hot asphalt – as the heat index approached 110 degrees.

Authorities are looking for the person who apparently left a note on Wednesday saying: "Found this poor thing at a cleaning job. No idea what to do, thought maybe you would know. Found in Howell. Thank you. Hope you can help," according to the Associated Humane Society in Tinton Falls.

"Cowardly pet owner strikes again!!," the humane society posted on its Facebook page, saying the person left the dog in the box between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. on the road next to the shelter.

One of the volunteers with "keen eyes" spotted the dog "before a tragedy occurred," the humane society says.

The humane society has called the female poodle Halle and volunteers are taking care of her.

"Instead of bringing this baby inside, they left a note saying they found the dog and didn't know what else to do with it," the humane society says. "Unfortunately, we have been inundated lately with abandoned animals in addition to our regular influx of strays and owner surrenders."

Right now the humane society is doing blood work and urine analysis today to check for any underlying conditions. "We will be looking for a special loving home of course," the humane society says.

The shelter is asking for information as to who is responsible, as well as for donations to help pay for Halle's medical care. Anyone with information should call (732) 922-0100.

Associated Humane Society in Tinton Falls photo