Henry, a 13-year-old Labrador, was abandoned by his owner at a park in Vancouver, Washington, despite having lived with her since he was a puppy. The heartbreaking scene was captured by a neighbor’s surveillance camera, prompting the police to investigate. Henry, waiting for his owner to return, was taken to an animal rescue while authorities worked on the case.
The owner had taken Henry to Orchards Park, removed his collar and ID, and left him behind before driving off. The video went viral, helping police track her down in Portland, Oregon. While she claimed to have felt forced to abandon him, rescuers were not sympathetic, finding her story unconvincing. They were especially upset that she told others Henry had died while he was still waiting for her.
Prosecutors are considering charges for animal cruelty. Despite the hardships many pet owners face, abandoning an animal is never acceptable, as resources are available to help.