Puppy abandoned in self-compacting trash can in Gardena rescued by police officer, who adopts the terrier mix

GARDENA, Calif. (KABC) — An abandoned puppy found whimpering inside a self-compacting trash can in Gardena was rescued by a police officer, who ended up adopting the dog on Christmas Eve.
That police officer happened to be walking by the trash can, which was outside of a local church, when he heard faint whimpers and cries, according to spcaLA.
When he opened the receptacle, the officer found a small, 1-year-old Terrier mix puppy inside. The dog, now known as Flan, had been thrown away like trash, spcaLA said.
The officer contacted Gardena Animal Control, and Flan was brought to spcaLA South Bay Adoption Center, where the dog was given food and medical care.
On Christmas Eve, the officer who rescued Flan brought his family to the adoption center and ended up adopting Flan and giving him a forever home.
SpcaLA said there were security cameras present outside the church where the trash can was located, but that footage was not released to police.
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