Sanitation Workers Rescue Severely Malnourished Dog from Trash Can

Monday, June 15, 2026

Sanitation workers in Milwaukee rescued a severely malnourished puppy named PJ from a garbage can, providing immediate care and ensuring he received medical treatment at a local animal shelter. The dog's remarkable recovery and adoption by one of the rescuers underscore the critical impact of unexpected acts of kindness in addressing animal neglect.

A severely malnourished dog was rescued from a garbage can by sanitation workers in Milwaukee on April 15, highlighting a rare but troubling case of animal neglect. Nazir Nalls, 21, and his partner were collecting trash when a garbage receptacle slipped from their truck, spilling its contents onto the street. Among the debris, they discovered a thin, weak dog hidden inside.

The dog, estimated to be about seven months old, was in critical condition, suffering from extreme malnutrition, patchy fur, and overgrown nails. Nalls and his partner immediately gave the dog water and contacted their supervisor, Alex Halverson, 34, who responded quickly. Observing the dog’s frail state and distressing odor, Halverson feared the animal would not survive another day. He fed the dog two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches he had brought for lunch, noting the dog ate them eagerly.

Despite the harsh circumstances, the dog—later named PJ after the sandwiches—showed an unexpectedly gentle demeanor, seeking human contact and responding positively to petting. Halverson transported PJ to the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission for medical treatment.

Kate Hartlund, the shelter’s community engagement and volunteer coordinator, described PJ’s condition as dire. The dog received deworming treatment, medication to stabilize his digestion, and care for his malnutrition. Shelter staff noted that cases of animals found in residential trash bins are rare but not unprecedented. They emphasized the difficulty of addressing such instances of neglect and the uncertainty surrounding what the dog may have endured before rescue.

After brief medical stabilization, PJ was placed with a foster family to gain enough weight for neutering and continued recovery. Halverson, who already owns a rescue dog, expressed interest in adopting PJ and maintained regular contact with shelter staff. On May 6, Halverson officially brought PJ home, where the dog quickly integrated into the family, including bonding with Halverson’s other dog, Fiona.

PJ’s weight has more than doubled since his rescue, from 10 to 24 pounds. Halverson reflected on the unlikely chain of events leading to the dog’s survival, noting that both bad luck—the garbage can falling—and the compassion of the sanitation crew were crucial. Both Halverson and Nalls acknowledged they will likely never know how PJ ended up in the garbage can, but they stressed the importance of the dog’s new path to recovery.

“I couldn’t just let a living thing go without any kind of care, nurture and nourishment,” Nalls said. The rescue serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role frontline city workers can play in saving vulnerable animals.