An abandoned dog discovered behind a dumpster in freezing December temperatures is now safe and searching for a permanent home, the director of Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) told Newsweek.
The pit bull mix, named Loca, was found on December 12 behind a dumpster in Richmond, Virginia, RACC officials said. An animal control officer reported finding her lying on a small fleece blanket, with a small amount of food beside her.
“She was found laying on a small fleece blanket with a to-go food container next to her. No note,” Christie Chipps Peters, RACC director, told Newsweek. “Loca is happy and bouncy and sweet and is looking for her new forever home.”
Despite the circumstances, shelter staff say Loca’s demeanor has remained upbeat.
RACC officials noted that, while the timing of the discovery—just weeks before Christmas—struck a chord with staff and the community, abandonment is not confined to any particular season.
“Sadly, we don’t have a specific time of year that animals are abandoned,” Peters said. “It’s a frequent situation in the city.”
In the first half of 2025, about 2.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters and rescues, and strays remained the largest intake source, accounting for 57 percent of all entries, according to Shelter Animals Count data.
While overall intake was down 4 percent compared to the same period in 2024, shelters still faced an ongoing capacity gap, with 175,000 more animals arriving than leaving between January and June 2025.
In a social media post, RACC shared more details about Loca’s personality and needs. The control wrote: “Yes, you read that right…La Vaca Loca was found abandoned behind a dumpster in cold temps with only a tiny blanket and a to-go box of old food.”
The shelter added that Loca is good with dogs and cats and a “polite lady.” The shelter lists her age as approximately 6 years old, while intake notes described her as about 2 years old.
Now warm, cared for and surrounded by staff and volunteers, Loca is waiting for a family of her own in the new year.
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