A German shepherd that was left tied to a cinder block and abandoned outside during a treacherous Oregon storm has been reunited with its owner.

The helpless animal was found tied down in the middle of a Woodburn road on May 12. 

Police initially believed the pooch had been abandoned, but later concluded it had run away.

'It was determined that the dog became frightened during a storm and escaped from its home while still tethered to a concrete block,' a spokesman for the local force said.

'The dog was safely transported to the Marion County Animal Shelter and later reunited with its family,' they added.

Woodburn police also said they evaluated the owner’s home and confirmed the German shepherd was well cared for. 

While the dog had adequate food, water, and care, the pup's owner was cited for unlawful tethering under Oregon law.

The law states that dogs cannot be tied up for more than ten hours within a 24-hour period. 

'Community Service Officers will continue follow-up visits to ensure compliance and the dog’s ongoing safety,' police said.

'We want to sincerely thank everyone for their overwhelming concern for the dog and for assisting with efforts to locate the owner. 

'Your care, compassion, and willingness to help are appreciated,' they added.

Just last week, officers received an early morning call and found the dog tied to the block near the 600 block of Willow Avenue.

It came after the area was hit by heavy rain, thunder and 20mph winds during a storm the night before.

Officers safely rescued the animal and gave him food and water before taking it to the Marion County Dog Shelter for further care. 

There was a mixed reaction on social media, with many residents believing there is more to the story.

'I cannot pick up a concrete block and you stated tied to a car... looks like something fishy,' one user wrote on Facebook.

Neighbors were shocked at how the dog was found, with one man recalling the heartbreaking moment he realized it was stuck. 

Michael Bartone told KOIN 6 News he heard a noise that stopped him in his tracks. 

'I looked out my window here and saw a dog in the road pulling a big cinder block behind him,' he told the outlet. 

Bartone was worried about the canine, so he brought out food and water and sat with him.

He hoped his owner would come fetch him - but they never did.  

'I’m a dog guy, I was worried. He’s on a four-foot tether on a cinder block that’s 50 to 60lb,' Bartone told the outlet. 

'Not a safe situation for a dog, and it was stuck between the wheel and the sidewalk on the road.

'Also not good for a dog to be on the road stuck. So I wanted to make sure it was safe,' he added.

'The dog was in good shape, like it didn’t seem malnourished, very friendly. So I know that it probably has an owner somewhere looking for him.'

The Daily Mail reached out to Woodburn Police and Marion County Shelter for comment.