Late one night in Dickson, Tennessee, a heartbreaking act of cruelty was caught on security cameras outside the Humane Society of Dickson County.
A white Ford F-150 pulled into the parking lot, and in the bed of the truck sat a wire crate — missing its bottom. Inside that crate was a one-year-old German Shepherd.
According to Humane Society, the man behind the wheel stepped out, dragged the crate to the side of the building, made a crude hand gesture toward the frightened dog, and drove away without a second glance.
Shelter staff were stunned when they reviewed the footage.
“I personally had never seen anything like that before,” said Angel Vance, Canine Connections Coordinator, to WSMV4.
“I was very, very upset about it. I was not very happy about the situation to see how he had treated her when not only did he just dump her, but he was not very kind to her when he did dump her as well.”
The young German Shepherd, now named Nyx, is currently safe and in the care of the shelter. Though physically unharmed, she remains emotionally guarded.
“She’s still warming up to people,” Vance explained.
Staff are taking things slow with Nyx, giving her the time and space she needs to learn that not all humans are unkind. They’ve made it clear she won’t be placed in a home until they find the right match — someone who truly understands her trauma and her needs.
A shelter at the breaking point
Nyx’s case is far from unique. The shelter is already stretched well beyond its capacity — housing three times the number of animals it was built for. Abandonments like this happen all too often.
“We see it a lot,” Vance said. “It happens. I mean, every day out here.”
In light of Nyx’s abandonment, the shelter has issued an urgent call to the public. Photos of the man and his truck have been released, and staff are pleading for anyone with information to come forward.
How you can help
If you recognize the man or the vehicle involved in Nyx’s case, please contact the Humane Society of Dickson County. Even the smallest tip could help bring justice.
The shelter is also asking the community to step up in other ways—by adopting, fostering, donating, and especially by spaying and neutering pets to prevent future tragedies.
Their message to the public is simple but powerful: “The dog is now safe and receiving care, but we must hold this individual accountable. Please share this post to help us find them.”
Let’s not fail Nyx again.
