Smithfield family takes in dog found abandoned in crate at intersection
Madison Nygard started fostering dogs this year and when added to her parenting duties, the extra demands mean no day looks the same.
She and her family have four of their own dogs and, now, four more that they're fostering.
"It's pretty much an adventure everyday," Madison said. "Most people would say it's chaos, but I'm kind of used to it by now."
That's right, they have eight dogs around, with the most recent addition being a rescue from a desperate situation.
"Nova" was found in a crate at the intersection of Highway 210 and Highway 50 in the McGee's Crossroads area. A man who saw Nova posted pictures of her to Facebook, asking someone to step up and take her in.
A piece of paper clung to the cage that said "Free dog Free kennel." There was no tray underneath the crate, meaning Nova's paws were on cement. Cooks at a nearby food truck gave her some food and water, but it was little reward for being trapped and abandoned in the cold.
"She was very well-taken care of so I don't understand how you could be okay with putting a living creature on the streets like that and walk away from her," Madison said.
The post showing Nova's predicament got over 200 shares on Facebook and garnered interest from concerned animal lovers.
"My first thought is a bad word, my second thought is 'what can I do to help?'" she said.
An animal control officer saw that Nova wasn't microchipped and wasn't wearing a collar.
"When I got there, I pulled up right in front of animal control. I joked to him 'no, no, she's mine,'" she said.
A veterinarian believes Nova is a terrier mix and about two years old. She was used for breeding and had delivered puppies. She had no collar or microchip, but her nails were trimmed and she has a clean bill of health.
Madison said she'll work with Pawfect Match out of Holly Springs to find Nova a permanent home. Nova is potty-trained and well-behaved in the house. She will be spayed in the coming days.
