A young dog was left in a Michigan park with one possession: a bag of dog food. When the people who found her stayed by her side, they turned a sad abandonment into a story with a hopeful ending.
The Call
On March 28, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter in Lansing, Michigan, received a call about a dog sitting alone at Moores Park. A woman driving past had spotted her next to a bag of dog food and phoned her husband, who lived nearby.
He went to check, took a photo of the dog sitting beside the bag and stayed with her in case an owner showed up. No one did. When the dog, a terrier mix thought to be about six months old, began wandering toward the road, he called the shelter.
Rescued by Officer Stewart
Animal Control Officer Kasey Stewart responded and brought the dog safely to the shelter, where staff named her Lola Lopp. Hannah Page, the shelter’s community outreach manager, told Newsweek she was grateful to the couple, whose decision to stop, wait and call for help may have prevented a tragedy on the road.
Nothing is known about Lola’s life before that day, including why she was left or how long she had been waiting. Staff say she appeared to be in fairly good physical health.
Frightened, Then Affectionate
Emotionally, Lola was struggling. Page said she arrived scared, overwhelmed and slow to warm up, a common reaction for dogs in a loud, unfamiliar shelter. With patience and gentle handling, she started to relax, and staff saw a sweet and affectionate dog who liked curling up in laps.
A Post That Struck a Chord
The shelter shared her story on Facebook, explaining that she had “stayed with what she knew” by staying next to the bag of food. According to reports, the post drew more than 1,100 reactions and over 140 comments in a few days, many from people saddened by her abandonment and relieved she was safe.
From Kennel to Foster Home
Lola is now living in a foster-to-adopt home, and Page says she has adjusted well and the placement is expected to become permanent.
The Shelter’s Message
Page stressed that abandoning a pet is never safe or acceptable. Leaving an animal in a park or beside a road can seriously endanger it, and it can have legal consequences. She said the shelter would much rather help owners find a solution, and that reaching out for help “is always the better option.” Shelters can often provide advice, resources or help finding a better arrangement, but only if people ask.
If You’re Struggling to Care for a Pet
There are better options than leaving an animal behind:
- Contact your local shelter. Ask about pet surrender programs and temporary assistance.
- Look for pet food assistance. Many communities have pet food banks and low-cost vet clinics.
- Plan ahead. Pet insurance can reduce the shock of unexpected vet bills.
- Consider adopting. Foster-to-adopt programs let you see whether a dog fits your life.
- Support shelters. A donation to your local shelter helps animals like Lola.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Lola found? At Moores Park in Lansing, Michigan, on March 28.
Who rescued her? A couple stayed with her until Ingham County Animal Control Officer Kasey Stewart brought her to the shelter.
How is she doing now? She’s in a foster-to-adopt home and has adjusted well, according to the shelter.
What should I do if I can’t keep my pet? Contact a local shelter or animal control for help rather than leaving the animal outside.
Sources: Newsweek and Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter, both covering the March 2026 abandonment of Lola Lopp at Moores Park in Lansing, Michigan, and the shelter’s response.
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