Popcorn Park Rescues Dog Left In Woods, Seeks Person Responsible

LACEY, NJ — The Popcorn Park Animal Refuge recently rescued a dog abandoned in the woods. Officials found Yaya at the Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area off Route 539 in Little Egg Harbor.

The organization is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible. Popcorn Park Animal Refuge is seeking a hospice-type situation for the elderly English Springer Spaniel. She is not listed up for adoption.

Officials didn't have to search very long for Yaya, since she didn't have the energy to travel far from where she was spotted earlier. She was extremely thin, dehydrated and in pain from old, aching joints, the refuge said.

"It is incomprehensible how, with so many options available, someone would choose to abandon this dog, leaving her to die a slow and painful death of starvation in the woods, alone," the refuge wrote on its Facebook page.

Popcorn Park named her Yaya. They gave her comfy beds, good meals and medical care. She made herself at home in their main office when they put a blanket down for her, sleeping like she hadn't rested in days.

"Yaya is obviously not in good health and she is clearly in her teens, but she is comfortable, warm, well-fed, and feeling the love from all of our staff," the refuge wrote.

The Popcorn Park Animal Refuge posted Yaya's story Friday to Facebook. They declined further comment to Patch but said they did not have any updates on the investigation.

Anyone with info can contact 609-693-1900 or office@ahsppz.org. See the post below to donate to Yaya's care.

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