A dog that was abandoned and left to roam along Interstate 29 is now a happy, tail-wagging companion, thanks to the quick response from the Sergeant Bluff Police Department and local animal care experts.
On April 22, police were alerted to a dog seen wandering near the interstate. Despite several calls from concerned citizens over a few days, officers had difficulty locating the dog. It wasn’t until later that a couple of locals discovered the dog in a culvert by the highway.
“We received multiple calls about a dog in the area, but we weren’t able to track him down at first,” said Chief Jereme Muller of the Sergeant Bluff Police Department. “Eventually, a couple of people found him down in a culvert, and I responded to the scene. The dog was very ill and in desperate need of medical attention.”
Upon arrival, Officer Andrew Hansen found the dog in poor condition. The dog, now named Oliver, appeared to be suffering from malnutrition and other health issues.
Amanda Hase, a local animal expert with Forever Wildlife Lodge and Clinic, was called to the scene. She immediately arranged for Oliver to see a veterinarian.
“Oliver had ingested a variety of harmful substances, including roadkill, bones, and even rocks,” explained Amanda Hase. “This could have been from foraging over a long period of time, and these foreign objects caused severe complications for his health.”
After receiving treatment and several days of care, Oliver began to recover. The once frightened and sick dog transformed into a happy, energetic animal, eager for attention and playtime.
However, cases like Oliver’s are unfortunately common. Hase, who frequently responds to similar situations, said, “I get calls almost every day about animals in distress, and we do what we can to help.”
Sergeant Bluff Police remind the public that abandoning an animal is a crime in Iowa. Offenders can face serious penalties, including up to two years in jail and fines, depending on the circumstances and condition of the animal.
“It’s a misdemeanor, and the severity depends on the specifics of each case,” Chief Muller explained. “In cases like Oliver’s, where the dog is found in poor condition, the charges can be significant.”
Sadly, no one has come forward to claim Oliver, but he is now receiving care and waiting for a new forever home.
Officer Hansen expressed his satisfaction in seeing Oliver’s recovery: “It feels good to know that we’ve helped in such a meaningful way. We’re not just here for people—we’re here for animals too.”
Chief Muller, a self-described dog lover, echoed the sentiment: “It’s fantastic to see him go from such a tough situation to being healthy and happy. As pet owners, we have a responsibility to take care of our animals, and seeing Oliver’s transformation is incredibly rewarding.”
Oliver is currently available for adoption. If you are interested in giving him a loving home, you can contact the Sergeant Bluff Police Department at 712-560-2253 to leave a voicemail.
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