For the third time in less than two weeks, a puppy was found abandoned on the side of the road.

This time the puppy was actually found nearby in Ohio County. Officials say a man found him about a mile away from the shelter along Short Creek.

Bernie is a 3-pound, 7-week-old St. Bernard mix.
He's just the latest victim in what has become a rash of animal cruelty.

"He was infested with fleas so I stopped at the vets office just to confirm he was old enough to get flea treatment, which he was. Do after giving him a bath we put some treatment on him and he appears to be doing quite well," said Brooke County Animal Shelter Director Donna DeJaro.

Well considering he was left to die in a cardboard box on Sunday night.

"There is no reason to leave a puppy, a cat or adult dog left along the road or in a box there is no reason for it," said DeJaro.

Bernie was then found by a local man who brought him to the shelter Monday afternoon.
DeJaro says he left his mother a little too early.
But could be ready to find a new home soon.

"He hasn't been vaccinated yet. We will watch him for a week to two weeks."

And she had a special message for the person who left him out in the cold in a box all alone.

"Please do not leave puppies, kittens along the road to die. There are other alternatives," DeJaro said. "Whether it be our county or any other county at least take them to the shelter at least they'll get a chance."

The Brooke County Sheriff's Department says it will investigate this latest case but added it doesn't appear to be related to the previous two.

If you are interested in adopting Bernie. just give the Brooke County Animal Shelter a call.