COEUR d’ALENE — When Kristina Jensen was told that a dog was left outside Companions Animal Center, she went to take a look Wednesday morning.

Joined by another CAC staff member, the dog technician cautiously approached the gray and white pit bull, its leash looped around a light post.

Standing on a bed of sharp rocks, next to tall grass, the short, muscular dog crouched low. Its ears were back and its tail tucked under.

It didn’t show signs of aggression, Jensen said, but of fear.

It had spent the cold night outside, without cover, with overnight temperatures dipping into the 40s, unable to comfortably lie down because the leash was so short.

“She was terrified,” Jensen said. “She was giving us a little bit of a grumble."

It took Jensen about 15 minutes of speaking softly and offering food before another leash could be placed around the dog’s thick neck, while a staffer cut away the other leash.

“She didn't want the treats but loved the canned chicken,” Jensen said, laughing.

She led the still-wary dog to a grassy area, where its countenance brightened. Its tail wagged and its big, bat-like ears pointed up, like it realized it was with friends.

“A completely different dog,” Jensen said. 

Because the CAC is not accepting surrenders as its kennels have long been full, it has a lengthy waiting list of those wanting, or needing, to give up their dogs.

Some will wait. Some won't. Some can't.

Jensen believes it has to do with the rising cost of housing, with some landlords requiring substantial down payments for pets, and others not allowing them at all. And like everything else, the cost of dog food has increased.

Some pet owners reach a breaking point.

“They get desperate,” Jensen said.

Vicky Nelson, CAC spokesperson, said security cameras showed a person walking out of the darkness about 10 p.m. Tuesday, tying the dog to the post, and walking away.

She said signs are posted around the property, warning people that “abandoning an animal is a violation of Idaho statute 25-3504.” 

Those caught can be charged with cruelty to animals, which can include a sentence of not more than six months or a fine of not less than $100.

"It doesn’t stop people,” Nelson said. 

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Most are surrendered. Some are just left to fend for themselves on streets. Some are left behind.

While only a few dogs have been illegally left at the no-kill shelter since it moved into its new home on Atlas Road a little over a year ago, cats and kittens are more often left outside CAC's doors.

Nelson said in pre-COVID years, about 25% of dogs brought in by animal control went unclaimed. Today, it’s about 75%.

Not only is CAC receiving more dogs, they’re bigger, which are harder to adopt out. And while puppies didn’t often previously come their way, they do now.

The pit bull left outside CAC on Tuesday night is about two years old and is up for adoption. She was named Loomie by staff because of her "electric personality” and because she spent the night under the light post. 

She was described as healthy and friendly.

When they got her into the animal control area, the 67-pound dog jumped into Jensen’s lap and gave her a kiss.

“She’s the sweetest girl ever," Jensen said.

    Kristina Jensen plays with "Loomie" at Companions Animal Center. The pit bull was tied up and left outside the shelter on Tuesday night.