GREEN BAY, Wis. — A heartbreaking picture out of Green Bay made the rounds on social media Thursday.

The Wisconsin Humane Society wants everyone to know the dog, named Baby Girl, is okay and that its owner was just trying to do the right thing.


What You Need To Know

  • Dog abandoned in Green Bay was tied to fire hydrant with a backpack of her favorite things and a note asking for help

  • The Wisconsin Humane Society reports "Baby Girl" is happy and healthy

  • WHS asks owners to make appointment and pay a fee to surrender a pet but will not turn anyone away
  • Baby Girl is on stray hold until Friday, May 6th. She will then need to be cleared for adoption.

Angela Speed, Vice President of Communications with the Wisconsin Humane Society, acknowledged the image of an abandoned dog tied to a fire hydrant brings up a lot of emotion.

She said its led to a lot of judgement and shaming of the former owner on social media. "There is unfortunately still a social stigma associated with surrendering an animal to a Humane Society, but what we know is that people love their animals and are trying to do the best they can with the resources they have," Speed pointed out.

Wisconsin Humane Society responded to the reaction with a Facebook post about what it does know. Speed told us, "the dog had a backpack just full of all her favorite things and food and treats. She was secured so she wouldn't get hit by a car and this heartfelt note, just pleading for help due to personal medical issues."

According to WHS, Baby Girl is happy and healthy. "She was obviously loved and adored, and we just felt awful about it," Speed said. "We're so sorry someone had to part with their best friend in such a traumatic way."

Speed noted it's important to see the humanity in this situation because she said, "judgement scares people from reaching out for help. And when people do surrender their animals to the Wisconsin Humane Society, whether it's because of medical issues, allergies, evictions, finanical issues are quite common ... it's never easy.  It's hard. It's quite painful. It's traumatic and there's always so much love," Speed commented.

WHS offers surrender services. The organization would like owners to call first and request an appointment, so it can be prepared for the animal's arrival. But Speed said, "we will never turn away an animal in need if it's an emergency situation. We are absolutely here to help."

There is a surrender fee to help pay for the animal's care. Speed mentioned they work with people to make sure finances are not a barrier to their animal getting help.  Speed told us, "we can reduce and waive those fees if you need it. People should never hesitate to seek our services."

Speed pointed out WHS not only serves animals, it also serves people in the community who love their animals.

Baby Girl is on stray hold until Friday, May 6th. She will then need to be cleared for adoption.

If you are interested in bringing Baby Girl home you are required to first fill out a profile online.  Counselors will work one-on-one with potential adopters.

The Wisconsin Humane Society will be posting updates on Baby Girl on its Facebook page.