Officials with the Elmbrook Humane Society are caring for a dog who witnesses say was dumped out of a car on the side of the road.
"Our focus is to get her healthy again," said Heather Gehrke, the executive director of the Elmbrook Humane Society.
She says the 2-year-old pitbull terrier mix came in Friday afternoon after witnesses saw a black SUV pull off Barker Road just south of North Avenue, and leave the dog there.
"The person who left her...used their foot to keep the dog from getting back in the car and then quickly sped off," said Gehrke.
Witnesses helped corral the dog and get her to the humane society, who named her Gracie.
She was dehydrated, severely emaciated, and only weighed 19 pounds when she came in. Now she's being cared for by a humane society staff member.
"The reports from her foster home, the staff member, is that she either was looking for something to eat all the time or was very sleepy," said Gehrke.
Several people have already expressed interest in adopting Gracie, who would join the 20 other dogs currently available for adoption at the shelter. Gehrke says they are taking her care day by day and need to get her healthy again before they discuss adoption.
Gehrke says the Elmbrook Humane Society charges a $35 fee for surrendering your animal, however in some cases they will waive that fee. She stressed that there are other options if you can't take care of your animal.
She also says its against state law to dump an animal and the people responsible could face charges.
"This was not something we planned for, regardless of whether or not we have the financial
support, we will be taking care of her," said Gehrke. "She will be not go without."
Anyone with information about who did this is asked to contact the Elmbrook Humane Society by calling 262-782-9261.
The shelter has set up a fundraising page to support Gracie's medical care. You can help by clicking here.
