New York Mills police rescue pups abandoned in shoebox on Thanksgiving

H. Rose Schneider, Observer-Dispatch
·1 min read

A New York Mills police officer had an unexpected call this Thanksgiving when he found two newborn puppies abandoned in a shoebox.

Officer Michael Firley was called to a house on Greenman Avenue in the early morning hours Thursday, where the puppies had been left on the porch, New York Mills police reported Friday.

Newborn puppies rely on their mother for basic needs like feeding and keeping warm during their first few weeks, according to the American Kennel Club. Firley made numerous attempts to find an agency to care for the puppies overnight. A Facebook post got him in contact with Rome resident Ashley Wright, who was able to care for the puppies until a home was located for them, police said.

New York Mills police Officer Michael Firley and Yorkville police Officer Pelesic hold two newborn puppies found abandoned in a shoebox early Thanksgiving morning. Police were able to reunite the puppies with their mother and are investigating whether any charges are applicable against the owner.
New York Mills police Officer Michael Firley and Yorkville police Officer Pelesic hold two newborn puppies found abandoned in a shoebox early Thanksgiving morning. Police were able to reunite the puppies with their mother and are investigating whether any charges are applicable against the owner.

"We would like to express our gratitude to Ashley Wright for assisting us during the overnight hours on Thanksgiving, which we are truly thankful for," New York Mills police Chief Robert Frankland said in a statement.

New York Mills Police Officer Michael Firley holds one of two puppies found abandoned overnight Thursday in New York Mills. The newborn puppies were eventually reunited with their mother.
New York Mills Police Officer Michael Firley holds one of two puppies found abandoned overnight Thursday in New York Mills. The newborn puppies were eventually reunited with their mother.

Police learned someone had taken the puppies from their mother shortly after they were born but, after realizing they couldn't care for them, turned them over to the police. New York Mills police arranged to return the puppies to their mother, and an investigation is ongoing to determine any possible charges, police said.

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H. Rose Schneider is the public safety reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. Email Rose at hschneider@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: New York Mills police rescue puppies abandoned on Greenman Ave porch