When Scott Lockard arrived at the Oklahoma Humane Society one morning to open the adoption center, something unusual caught his attention — a black bag tied to the front door handle.
As he stepped closer, he realized the bag wasn’t just abandoned belongings. Inside was a small brown dog, waiting quietly.
“This wasn’t the first time I’ve arrived to find animals left outside the center, so I can’t say I was super surprised,” Lockard told The Dodo. “I was just focused on getting her inside, fed, and comfortable.”
Safe indoors, the pup’s nervous eyes softened as she met her rescuer. Though shy, she was clearly healthy — and very sweet.
Then Lockard found a damp slip of paper tucked inside the carrier. On it, a simple plea was written:
“Her name is Maris. Find her a good home.”
The Oklahoma Humane Society shared Maris’ story online — not to shame the person who left her, but to highlight the overwhelming number of homeless animals in the community and the urgent need for foster families.
“Every day, we see pets who have nowhere else to go,” Roshelle Anderson, the shelter’s marketing manager, explained. “Maris’ story is just one example of a much bigger issue.”
For now, Maris is safe at the shelter, where she’s waiting for a foster home — and, eventually, a forever family who will never leave her behind.
With a little luck, her next chapter will be filled with love, security, and the warmth of a real home.
To support dogs like Maris, you can donate to the Oklahoma Humane Society and help give more abandoned animals a second chance.
