With the snowstorm and bitter cold, animal rescue groups have been working longer hours.
The Detroit Pit Crew has been rescuing dogs around the clock; they saved one puppy that was left at a school with a note.
Employees at a Detroit middle school witnessed a child drop off a package near the doorstep.
"This little puppy was placed in this box," Theresa Sumpter of the Detroit Pit Crew said. "As you can see, there's air holes. There was a blanket inside the box and there was some food and a nice note left."
The note said the dog, named Snowflake, was cold and didn't have a home.
"We actually appreciate that this child was trying to help the puppy, but we recommend that people do not leave puppies in the cold in boxes," Sumpter said.
Detroit Pit Crew rescued 29 dogs in the last two weeks.
"When it gets cold, we do twice the volume that we would normally do," Sumpter said.
Another dog named Comet was rescued earlier this week and is now being treated at Center Line Veterinary Hospital.
"Monday, during the snow coming down, we went and got him," Sumpter said. "He is injured. He was bleeding from his abdomen and it looks like he had an embedded collar."
"I'm heartbroken for the dogs. I wish the dogs were in better care."
Many dogs aren't as lucky as Snowflake or Comet.
"We find dead dogs all the time in the winter," she said. "These dogs are freezing, and when you see them shaking and you see them picking up their paws, you know they don't need to be out in this weather. It's cold outside."
Sumpter says they will help stray dogs, as well as ones with owner. If the owners don't want to give up their pup, she will work with them to keep the dogs safe.
"If you're a person who has your dog out on a chain, and you're like, 'I just don't have a crate to bring my dog in.' If you call me, I will bring you a crate because we want these dogs brought in."
If you are concerned about dogs outside in the cold, call Detroit Pit Crew at 248-906-9022.
You can also call the Michigan Humane Society at 313-872-3401 to report animal abuse and neglect. MHS operates this hotline seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Callers may leave messages after hours.
