ROCKAWAY, N.J. (Morris County) — A dog that was allegedly left trapped inside a shed for approximately four days without food or water and later ran off has been safely recovered, according to Blairstown-based Buddha Dog Rescue & Recovery.
The rescue organization said it was contacted Saturday afternoon by the Rockaway Police Department and Rockaway Animal Control regarding the dog, named Raven.
According to Buddha Dog Rescue & Recovery, a man who had allegedly stolen an Amazon van and was on the run had stashed Raven inside a shed the previous Wednesday. Officers were not alerted that Raven had been left inside the shed until Saturday, the organization said.
Once officers learned Raven had been left in a shed, they began searching properties in the area. While checking sheds, they heard the dog whining inside one of them.
When the shed was opened, Raven was in poor condition and collapsed, according to the rescue organization. She drank some water before becoming frightened and running away.
Buddha Dog Rescue & Recovery then began searching for Raven, setting up feeding stations and cameras. One feeding station had to be removed because a large bear regularly traveled through the area.
On Sunday, Rockaway dispatch contacted the organization after Raven was spotted near construction equipment behind the elementary school. Officer Anthony Giordano met with the rescuer and showed where Raven had been seen.
A trap was set that night, but Raven did not return. The trap was later removed while a feeding station remained in the area.
Early Tuesday morning, Raven appeared on camera several times, prompting another trap to be set deep in the woods.
Later in the day, the rescuer spotted Raven hiding behind properties near a marsh bordering the woods where the trap had been placed.
At 6:39 p.m. Tuesday, a camera showed Raven at the trap. She eventually entered it for food and was safely captured.
“RAVEN WAS SAFE.”
Buddha Dog Rescue & Recovery thanked the Rockaway Police Department, Giordano and dispatchers for their assistance throughout the search.
“Tonight, however, I want the focus to remain where it belongs: Raven survived. Raven is safe. And after everything this poor girl endured, she can finally rest. Welcome to safety, sweet Raven. You deserved so much better than what happened to you.”
