MARICOPA, AZ (AZFamily) — A growing trend is pushing animal shelters and sanctuaries across the city of Maricopa into overdrive. Dozens of pets are being abandoned in parking lots, along roadsides, and even at local dog parks.
Ellese Gudvangen, owner of the Gud Ark Sanctuary in Maricopa, says the recent surge in abandonments is unlike anything she’s seen before. “It’s more than what I’ve ever seen from anywhere else we’ve lived.”
This past Sunday, two dogs—Coco and Holly—were found abandoned at the Copper Sky dog park, with no owner in sight. “The dogs were severely overheated. They were a little bit nervous, and you could tell they were confused overall,” Gudvangen said…