Viral dog left behind at Lorain skating rink gets 2nd chance at shelter

LORAIN, Ohio (WOIO) - The viral dog, now called Skates, who was left behind a skating rink, is settling in at Friendship APL before his adoption.

Security footage from Lorain Skate World shows a white Honda pulling behind the skating rink around 8 p.m. on May 29.

The car stops, but then the driver turns around to exit the parking lot. A dog can be seen chasing after the vehicle.

For the next four days, the dog roamed the neighborhood alone, darting across busy roads until a neighbor was able to catch him.

Police shared on Monday afternoon that 34-year-old Ciara Roman was charged with abandoning animals, annual registration of dogs violation and a rabies immunization violation.

She was issued a summons to appear in court in response to the charges.

As of Friday afternoon, Skates is at Friendship APL in Elyria, where he is receiving all kinds of love, decompressing and finally opening up.

According to a Facebook post, Skates is entering Friendship APL’s Grafton Correctional Institution Prison Program, where he will work one-on-one with dedicated handlers and learn basic obedience skills such as sit, down, stay, and heel.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.