Wanda might have been someone's Christmas present. If so, she was one the recipient didn't want.

On New Year's day, the pit bull puppy was found next to a trash bin in the 100 block of Church Street in Columbia. Weak and unable to walk, she was taken Friday afternoon to the Humane League of Lancaster County.

Dr. Bryan Langlois, the shelter's veterinarian, examined the puppy, who was suffering from exposure and was malnourished.

"She is being treated with heating blankets and intravenous fluids," Becki Gotshall of the Humane League said Friday afternoon.

Two hours later, Gotshall reported that Wanda, as the Humane League staff have dubbed the puppy, had "started to eat, which is a very good sign."

"She's doing better and is more stable," Gotshall said. "She is warmed up and is resting comfortably now."

The dog is still very weak, Gotshall said, but she is "definitely responding to the kindness of our veterinary staff, giving them kisses, licking them and showing affection."

"She's wagging her tail a little bit," Gotshall said. "These are all signs, not only of improvement, but also of a good personality."

Was Wanda, whose age is between 8 and 10 weeks, an unwanted Christmas gift discarded like used wrapping paper and bows?

Gotshall said it is hard to tell, but for the animal shelter to receive unwanted Christmas pets is, sadly, not uncommon.

"We have several cases each year of people who come in and surrender a puppy to us because they've gotten it from a family member or friend as a Christmas gift, and they hadn't really wanted it," she said. "Whether or not that was the case with this particular dog, I really can't say."

Gotshall said she had no idea how long Wanda had been lying by the trash bin. Exposure could happen overnight, but the malnutrition indicates longer term neglect.

As for the person who abandoned the puppy, he or she could face animal abuse charges. Gotshall said anyone with information about where the puppy came from or who may have left her by the trash bin should contact the Humane League at 393-6551 and ask to speak with a Humane Law Enforcement Officer.

All information is confidential.

Meanwhile, Wanda will be carefully monitored and cared for at the shelter throughout the weekend. She will be fed small meals that are high in calories several times a day "so she can increase her strength," Gotshall said.

Once her health and strength are sufficiently improved, Gotshall said the shelter will begin "searching for an adopting family."

Gotshall and the shelter staff are pleased that this tale, which could have ended in tragedy, may end in hope.

"If the dog had not been found, she quite likely would have passed away," Gotshall said. "Now we hope to place her with a new family and give her a new start."

Anyone interested in adopting Wanda may contact the Humane League.

E-mail: lalexander@lnpnews.com