A Vinnies volunteer in Kingaroy, Queensland, discovered a live puppy in a donation bin three months ago. Volunteer Corrie Johnston found the chihuahua-cross puppy inside a cooler bag after a customer reported hearing crying sounds emanating from the bin outside the op shop, located approximately 200 kilometers north-west of Brisbane.
Upon opening the cooler bag, Ms. Johnston located a small, shivering puppy on a blue blanket. The puppy was subsequently named Vinnie. Efforts to identify the anonymous donor were unsuccessful.
Drew Eide, Vinnies Queensland general manager, issued a statement advising against donating live animals to op shops. He emphasized that these facilities are not equipped to function as animal rescue shelters. Mr. Eide cited previous instances of unusual donations, including two live kittens in Cairns and a Christmas ham left in a donation bin in north Queensland.
Ms. Johnston indicated that Vinnie's situation could have resulted in harm due to other heavy donations placed in the bin. She expressed gratitude that the puppy was left in a location where it could be found.
Ms. Johnston, who already owns three chihuahuas, decided to adopt Vinnie. Several months following the discovery, Vinnie has reportedly settled into his new home with his canine siblings.