Dogs Found Abandoned in Garbage Bag Near Rembrandt Ready for Adoption

Eleanor and Mathilda survived being tied inside a garbage bag and left beside a gravel road southwest of Rembrandt. Discovered on Feb. 5 alongside a third dog that had already died, all three animals were found in an emaciated state severe enough that shelter staff would later describe the case as among the most critical neglect situations they had handled.

People for Pets, the Spencer-area rescue that took custody of the pair, confirmed this week that both dogs have cleared their medical and behavioral rehabilitation and are listed as available for adoption.

The animals were transferred from the initial finder to the Buena Vista County Sheriff's Office before reaching People for Pets. Jenna Schroer, the shelter's director, said at the time that Eleanor and Mathilda arrived in critical condition, suffering from dehydration and starvation on top of the physical trauma of being sealed inside a knotted bag for an unknown period. Sheriff Kory Elston opened a formal investigation and issued a public appeal for tips, noting that Iowa animal cruelty statutes cover cases of abandonment. That investigation remains active.

Over the weeks that followed, shelter veterinarians and foster staff brought the two dogs through a full medical protocol: vaccinations, parasite treatment, and behavioral evaluation. Both cleared every milestone. Staff now describe Eleanor, a 1.5-year-old German Shepherd, and Mathilda, a younger lab mix, as affectionate and ready for a home. People for Pets has noted that the two remain bonded after their shared ordeal and has encouraged prospective adopters to consider taking both together.

The case drew attention across northwest Iowa when it first broke, and People for Pets used that visibility to solicit donations and volunteers to help offset the emergency veterinary costs, which the shelter said extended to other animals arriving in similarly poor condition.

Anyone with information about who abandoned the dogs near Rembrandt can contact the Buena Vista County Sheriff's Office. Those interested in adopting Eleanor or Mathilda can reach People for Pets in Spencer directly.