Marathon runner Maddy Auerbacher found a German shepherd tied to a trash can in Carlsbad with a cardboard sign that read "FREE DOG."
The dog, a 4-year-old male named Sam, had been left with a bag of food and a water bowl. He appeared to be waiting for his owner to return, according to Pet Rescue Report.
Auerbacher called the Carlsbad Police Department. A responding officer knelt beside Sam and slowly gained the dog's trust, staying by his side until a Humane Law Enforcement team from the San Diego Humane Society arrived, Pet Rescue Report said.
The San Diego Humane Society's adoption listing for Sam shows he was brought in by Humane Law Enforcement on Oct. 14. The listing describes Sam's start as unusual but says "anyone who spends five minutes with him knows this boy is truly priceless."
Sam has been vaccinated, microchipped and neutered, according to the humane society. The 77.2-pound German shepherd mix is listed as available for adoption at the San Diego Humane Society's Oceanside Campus, located at 2905 San Luis Rey Road in Oceanside.
Shelter staff described Sam as a "happy-go-lucky pup who greets everyone with a wagging tail and an eager smile," according to Pet Rescue Report. A shelter worker posted on social media that Sam "is doing amazing," PetHelpful reported.
Families interested in adopting Sam should know that children in the household must be 8 or older and present during the adoption process, according to the humane society's listing. The humane society notes that its website updates frequently and that Sam may have been adopted by the time a visitor arrives. The listing recommends noting his animal ID, 1001239, before visiting.
