Dog Left for Dead on 9W, Help Needed in Finding Suspect

A terrified dog was found abandoned and tied to a guardrail in the Hudson Valley. Help is needed in finding the person responsible.

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On Saturday morning, Michael Palmateer of Highland was driving on Route 9W in Marlboro near Willow Tree Road when he noticed a dog tied to a guardrail.

He pulled over and tried to get close to the dog, but the dog was terrified and wouldn't let him get close.

Palmateer says he then called the police and they said they would send over animal control. Shortly after, police and animal control came to safely remove to the dog and brought it to Take Me Home Pet Rescue in Milton.

The dog, who was named "Willow," is currently safe and being treated. Take Me Home Pet Rescue wrote the following on its Facebook:

"We would like to welcome Willow to TMH! A good citizen stopped and took the time to sit with him until he trusted him and waited for authorities to get there and get this guy to safety. Thank you Mike for caring!! You will know nothing but love from here on out Willow and we will make sure of it!!

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It's still unclear who abandoned the dog or why Willow was tied to a guardrail on Route 9W. A Take Me Home Pet Rescue spokesperson told Hudson Valley Post police are investigating and anyone with information should call the Town of Marlborough Police Department.

"The dog is safe at the vet where he is being updated on vaccines and microchipped. Once that’s complete, he will come into foster with us and we will help him find the forever home he deserves," Take Me Home Pet Rescue told Hudson Valley Post. "We have already visited with him and he was very sweet, definitely confused but he was excited to see us. The vet has estimated his age to be between 4-6 years old and he is now known as Willow! We are so thankful to Mike who stopped and helped him under the circumstances and waited for authorities to get there and get Willow to safety.

Town of Marlborough police confirmed they are investigating. However, police are having difficulty identifying the animal's owner because the dog wasn't microchipped. Anyone with any information is urged to call Town of Marlborough Police Department and ask to speak with Detective Geremino.

Palmateer says he's in the process of trying to adopt Willow.

Anyone wanting to foster or adopt a pet should fill out an application on the Take Me Home website.

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