Elderly Yorkshire terrier dumped in sealed plastic tub during blistering summer weather

An elderly Yorkshire terrier was abandoned outside an animal shelter in a sealed plastic container on a 90F day.

The dog, now named Gertie by rescuers, was flea-bitten, filthy, and left to die in the oppressive heat outside the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Gertie’s rescuers wrote on Facebook: ‘While it may not be unique for animals to be abandoned at the PSPCA, what is unique is that Gertie was left inside a plastic container with the lid on in 90+ degree heat.’

‘Gertie was covered with fleas and a coating of flea dirt, but otherwise spunky and strong. We named her Gertie because Gertude means “spear of strength.”‘

WIVB reported that it was unclear how long Gertie had been trapped in the container before volunteers discovered her.

Staff at the Pennsylvania SPCA are now looking for a new home for Gertie.

They said she is still about four pounds underweight, and they are hoping she will put on some weight before she is adopted.

Shelter staff said they are still looking for the people responsible for abandoning Gertie.

They are also collecting donations to help fund Gertie’s recovery, raising $2,647 in three days.

Numerous people have also written on the PSPCA’s Facebook page asking to adopt Gertie.

Shelter workers are hoping to find a loving new home for the little dog as soon as she has recovered from her ordeal.