08/15/2025
From Abandonment to Adoption: Tucker’s Story
Dates: July 22 & July 25, 2025
Location: Parker Branch Road → Lamar County Animal Services
137 Roberta Drive, Barnesville, GA 30204
(770) 358-5160 | [email protected]
On July 22, 2025, a traveler passing through Lamar County spotted something unusual in the woods off Parker Branch Road. About six yards from the street, a dog stood still, tethered to a tree. On closer inspection, the traveler discovered he had been tied with an electrical cord—no food, no water, and no nearby homes—and left in extreme summer heat.
The temperature that day was 95°F with a heat index of 109.5°F. Without immediate intervention, this dog’s life would have ended in pain and suffering. Acting quickly, the traveler freed him, offered water, and placed him in her air-conditioned car before contacting Lamar County Animal Services.
Officer H. Sargent responded to the call, documenting the scene and evaluating Tucker’s condition. Given his poor health and the Lamar County Animal Shelter being closed to intake at this time - T. White, Director of Lamar County Animal Services, coordinated with W. Perdue, Director of City of Barnesville Animal Control, to provide temporary housing. Through this mutual aid agreement, Tucker was safely transported to the City of Barnesville Animal Shelter to complete the mandatory three-day stray hold.
The traveler, already calling him Tucker, couldn’t stop thinking about him. Less than 24 hours later, she called back—not to check on him, but to adopt him. On July 25, Tucker was officially released to his new family.
Today, Tucker is safe, healthy, and beginning a new chapter filled with love, comfort, and care. His rescue is a powerful reminder that cruelty and neglect have no place in our community—and that one person’s compassion can change a life forever.
A message to the public:
Animal abandonment is not only cruel—it is illegal. Leaving a pet tied up or without basic needs is a crime in Georgia. If information links an abandoned animal back to an owner, we will pursue charges. If you can no longer care for your pet, there are safe, humane options: contact your local shelter, rescue group, or veterinary office for guidance.
To Tucker’s rescuer and new family: your kindness turned tragedy into hope. We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing Tucker thrive in the home he was meant to have.
If you witness or suspect animal cruelty, report it immediately. Together, we can protect those who cannot protect themselves.