It was obvious she had worn a collar for quite some time, but there wasn’t one when we found her - apologies for not mentioning that. It was one of the things that made us think she’d been dumped.
Have a vet check for a microchip. I know we took our dachshund’s collar off to ease her discomfort. Again, not saying you’re not right, as the scenario you describe is all too common; I’m just suggesting there’s room for doubt.
I’m sure she probably was — esp. considering the cold weather. Yes, animals can run off to die, but dollars to donuts that’s not what happened in this case. (Most times it’s not.) Doubting seriously the knuckle-dragging Neanderthals who dumped her gave her a second thought. No doubt in my mind God will give THEM a second thought, though. May it fall back on their heads three-fold. Bless you for what you did for this poor baby.