Thrown in a Trash Bag in a Parking Lot, Nanook the Dog Miraculously Survives and Begins Her Journey of Recovery
A small dog named Nanook is incredibly lucky to be alive after being discarded in a black trash bag in a parking lot in New York City.
According to Mariya Vlasova, co-founder of AMA Animal Rescue — a no-kill animal shelter based in Brooklyn — it is a miracle that Nanook managed to survive such horrific conditions.
“Police officers found Nanook in the middle of the night, inside a trash bag placed between two cars.
She was still alive, but barely — too weak to move or lift her head. She was emaciated, completely exhausted,”
Vlasova told Newsweek.
Severely malnourished, lying in urine, muscles wasted from prolonged confinement
Immediately after being discovered, Nanook was taken to a veterinary hospital and then transferred to AMA Animal Rescue.
Doctors found that not only had Nanook been starved for a long time, but she also showed signs of having been confined in a tight space — like a small crate — causing severe muscle atrophy in her legs.
“She had large, infected sores on her legs, indicating she’d been lying motionless on a hard surface for an extended period,” Vlasova added.
Nanook was also severely dehydrated, with dry, flaky skin and infections likely caused by prolonged exposure to her own urine.
And yet, what touched everyone most was this:
“Nanook is an incredibly sweet girl. Once she realizes she’s safe, she gently approaches for affection — and gives you soft licks as if to say thank you.”
A Journey of Healing — Fueled by Love and Hope
Nanook is currently receiving carefully managed treatment, including a special diet served in small, frequent meals to help her regain strength and rebuild muscle mass.
“It’s heartbreaking how hungry she always is. But we have to feed her little by little, because her body is so fragile,” Vlasova explained.
Once strong enough, Nanook will be vaccinated, spayed, and matched with a loving forever home.
“We promise to find her the best home possible.”
Who Abandoned Nanook — and Why?
Vlasova suspects that Nanook is a purebred dog, possibly once given as a gift:
“Maybe the recipient didn’t really want her, or maybe her original owner passed away — and whoever took over treated her cruelly.”
Whatever the reason, Vlasova believes Nanook’s starvation and neglect were deliberate — and the person responsible should be held legally accountable.