Three small dogs were abandoned inside a duct-taped box at a public park in Everman. Fortunately, the dogs are still alive, and the city's animal shelter is trying to track down the owners.

According to a post from Municipal Animal Services for Everman & Forest Hills, shelter staff was called to Heritage Park on April 9 after a city worker came upon a box sitting on a picnic table.

The box was a Walmart box that had been duct-taped closed. Inside the box were three small dogs, including a black-and-white dog that looked like a Havenese, an older chihuahua, and a younger tan dog that looked like a chihuahua mix. Photos of all three dogs can be seen on this post.

According to the shelter, the dogs did not have collars or tags, and were not microchipped. The surprising element is that the dogs seemed to have been cared for.

"We do not know the circumstances around why this happened but it does appear that these dogs were once loved," the post said. "Two are freshly groomed & wearing clothes! All three are very friendly."

Speculation on why the dogs had been dumped ranged from "death of the owner" to a domestic issue. Shelters have also been overcrowded in recent months and turning away animal surrenders.

More than one commenter suggested that a groomer might recognize the dogs.

"We need to locate the owner of these dogs if in fact they are missing from a beloved home," the shelter said. "We know things are getting rough in the world, especially the animal world. Many shelters no longer accept owner surrenders which leaves owners with uncertainty of what to do. However this is not the answer in any way."

If the dogs look familiar, the shelter requests that you call 817-561-5495 or email aco@municipalanimalservices.net.

Cardboard box left at Heritage ParkMunicipal Services - Everman & Forest Hills