Pennsylvania SPCA seeking info on 2 men who left dog outside shelter

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A dog found abandoned at the Pennsylvania SPCA in Hunting Park is recovering from serious health issues as the organization asks for the public's help identifying the two men who left him outside the shelter.

The dog, whom SPCA workers named Schwarber after the popular Phillies baseball player Kyle Schwarber (since he was found on the day of the recent MLB Home Run Derby), was discovered in the vestibule of the Pennsylvania SPCA after being left there Monday at about 1 p.m., according to the agency.

Surveillance video captured the incident.

According to the Pennsylvania SPCA, two men parked their car, removed a pink crate and carried it to the front entrance. Instead of entering the building, they left the crate in the vestibule and returned to their vehicle.

"We have two sets of doors that opened. They left it there and just proceeded back to their car," said Pennsylvania SPCA Public Relations Director Gillian Kocher.

Staff members initially did not realize the dog had been left there. When they found him, they determined he was in poor condition, suffering from a flea infestation and severely matted fur that prevented him from using his right front leg.

"We know this dog was in pain just from the wound that it had," said Kocher.

Kocher said the dog had a serious injury caused by his matted fur.

"The dog did unfortunately have what's known as a strangulation wound to its right front limb where the matted hair had become so tightly wrapped that it caused a loss of circulation," Kocher said.

The Pennsylvania SPCA is working to save Schwarber's leg while also seeking information about the two men seen leaving him at the shelter.

The agency said it does not know who neglected the dog but noted that financial hardships can affect people's ability to care for pets.

The Pennsylvania SPCA offers low-cost veterinary care and adoption specials and encourages pet owners who need assistance to speak with staff rather than abandon animals outside the facility.

Schwarber may eventually be made available for adoption. For now, shelter staff is focused on his recovery. Kocher expressed optimism about his future with some inspiration from his namesake.

"We know this guy will recover and hit it out of the park very soon in his forever home," she said.

The Pennsylvania SPCA said staff members are not yet sure how old Schwarber is, but they describe him as very friendly despite his condition and the circumstances in which he was found. They advise anyone who is having trouble taking care of their pet to come inside their building and talk to them about their options.