Was this female Jack Russell Terrier your dog? This sweet, scared young lady has been on the run for at least two weeks in Waretown -- two of the coldest weeks in years with temperatures in the single digits. Did she stray from her yard? Or was she let go because her condition was too much to deal with and no one could bother to bring her to a shelter. Instead, this little girl had to fend for herself in frigid temperatures, search for food and water that wasn't frozen and deal with a horrid and painful skin and ear infections plus frostbite.

Our Animal Control Officer had tried to catch for several days .... and when she didn't have the strength to run anymore, she sat on someone's porch and gave up.

Our ACO picked her up and she was given immediate medical care, lots of blankets and a good meal. Our veterinarians have done thorough testing and she does not have mange or ringworm, but she does have several skin infections and her ears were painfully swollen and infected.

Your contributions to the Res-Q Fund will help Laurel to start healing and happiness. She is safe, warm and starting on the long road to recovery. There is absolutely no excuse to let an innocent creature go through this -- next time, bring them to a shelter.

Laurel is at Popcorn Park, off of Lacey Road in Forked River. For more information, call Popcorn Park at 609-693-1900 or e-mail us. Popcorn Park is open 7 days a week - from noon until 4 p.m.