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Dog Found In West Islip Gas Station Dumpster Has New Home

ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A pooch found abandoned in a Long Island trash bin is happy in a new home.

The cockapoo, named Miracle, celebrated her fourth birthday Thursday with a new haircut and mani-pedi.

Her new owners, a North Babylon woman and her daughter, were selected by the Suffolk County SPCA from 18 adoption applicants.

"Miracle has risen from a sad and unfortunate past, but thanks to the attentive care from shelter employees and volunteers, Miracle is ready to go home and live a happy and healthy life," Councilman Anthony Senft, the town's liaison to the animal shelter, said in a statement.

Authorities said Miracle's previous owner paid an Islip animal shelter worker to take Miracle and another dog to the kennel because she could no longer care for them.

But Miracle, initially described as a Maltese mix or Lhasa apso, was later found in a gas station trash bin Dec. 23. Authorities believe she chewed her way out a plastic bag before she was found by a homeless man and taken to an animal hospital.

The shelter attendant, Michael Papini of Lindenhurst, was arrested and charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty. Papini has been suspended from his job at the shelter.

Prosecutors said Papini let the first dog, a poodle named Bailey, out into the street. That dog was never found.

Suffolk County SPCA continues search for dog that was dumped last week
Suffolk County SPCA continues search for dog that was dumped on Long Island. (credit: Suffolk SPCA)

In December, the Suffolk SPCA announced a reward for information leading to Bailey's recovery.

Miracle on Thursday was exploring snowbanks in the backyard of her new home and gave out plenty of doggy kisses.

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