Warden Discovers Puppies Inside Box Abandoned On Busy Roadside
An Unexpected Start to the Day
On the early morning of November 3, Susan Elliot, a dedicated warden at Waukegan Animal Care and Control (AC&C) in suburban Illinois, began her work day in the most unusual way. Just as she was pulling up to the facility, a strange object on the sidewalk near a busy road caught her eye—a cardboard box sealed tight with tape.
Getting out of her car to investigate, Elliot noticed air holes poked through the box. Her instincts immediately kicked in—something inside needed help. She carefully carried the box into the AC&C facility and gently opened it.
A Surprise Inside the Box
To her amazement and relief, out popped the fluffy orange head of a cat. The feline had no collar or identification but appeared to be in need of affection and safety.
“He was friendly and sweet from the very beginning,” Elliot noted. The staff provided the cat warmth, care, and food while his stray hold period elapsed.
A New Chapter at the Shelter
When his hold ended, the orange tabby was transferred to Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter, where his story continued. Kristen Castro, the shelter’s manager, described his arrival vividly.
“He smelled strongly of skunk, like he had recently been sprayed,” Castro told The Dodo. “It lingered in our clinic. But in spite of everything, he was incredibly affectionate—he allowed our team to vaccinate, examine, and bathe him without complaint.”
Meet Corn Cob, the Shelter Star
One of the vet techs had already selected a name for the next orange rescue—Corn Cob. And it couldn’t have been a more perfect fit. Estimated to be around three years old, Corn Cob quickly became a staff favorite.
- He chirped happily whenever someone walked by
- Loved cuddling with the staff
- Nuzzled caretakers during condo cleanings
But there was a sobering realization too. As Castro expressed, “What made Corn Cob’s situation especially heartbreaking was that whoever left him didn’t ensure he’d be found.”
From Shelter Life to Forever Home
Despite his rough beginning, Corn Cob was ready to embrace joy. Just a week into his shelter stay, a couple visited and instantly fell head-over-heels for him—so much so that even the man, previously a self-described dog lover, declared himself changed.
The couple adopted Corn Cob and renamed him Garfield. In his new home, Garfield began thriving. According to Castro, his new family shared, “He absolutely loves playing with small spring toys. He is having a blast with the Christmas tree … We are so happy to have him!”
Garfield’s Bright Future
Now in a loving home, Garfield’s days of skunk stench and roadside abandonment are well behind him. The joy he brings his new family is the greatest reward for everyone involved in his rescue.
Facebook Comments