Shelter Responds to Owner Who Left Dog with Note with their Own Heartfelt Letter
Of late, it’s hard not to see that animal shelters across North America are sharing the same message on social media – they are dealing with unprecedented animal surrenders and overcrowding as financial pressures are forcing many dog guardians to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their pets.
Lifeline Animal Project shared one such story recently in a Facebook post on August 25th. They shared photos of Milo, an 8-month-old Pit Bull they found on their shelter’s doorstep with a handwritten note.
The note from Milo’s owner read, “Please do not judge me on this single act alone. I am simply a human being trying to do what’s best for my puppy. I have tried rehoming and searching for fosters. I cannot support him and myself. This is the only way. I know you will take him, and he’s safe. He’s a sweetheart and very well-mannered and trained.”
The person also gave Milo’s age, what his temperament is like, his vaccination status and what treats he likes.
The Atlanta shelter responded with an open letter to Milo’s owner in hopes of reuniting the pair.
They wanted to let the person know that Milo is okay and that they’d like to try and help them stay together.
“We found your dog right where you left him in a space where he wouldn’t get hit by a car or harmed when wandering freely in search of sanctuary,” Lifeline noted. “Our shelter team found him as they came into the shelter for the morning shift and brought him into the building while he waited for his turn for his intake exam. After intake, he joined the hundreds of other dogs in our shelter. We also found the note you left.”
“We thought of how it must have felt for you to write that message as you left your loved one behind,” Lifeline continued. “What a brave act of self-sacrifice to risk scorn and judgment while trying to do what was best for Milo. Because of your note, we knew Milo’s name, how old he is, that he has been friends with other dogs and cats, and that he is very obviously loved.”
“We love him, too, and will do everything in our power to help him go home. If you are reading this and there’s any chance that we can help reunite you with Milo and support both of you, please reach out,” the charity added. “You will be met with compassion and understanding. Milo deserves the safety and security of a home, and so do you.”
Lifeline Animal Project’s open letter received thousands of shares on Facebook but despite their far-reaching message among other methods to try and find Milo’s family, they were unable to do so.
However, the open letter did result in a happy outcome for Milo. “An incredible family came to the shelter, and they fell head over heels for this sweet boy,” Lifeline updated its readers. “Shelters are very hard on dogs, especially big, young pups with lots of energy and love to give. We felt the chances of reuniting Milo at this point were very slim, especially after all the coverage, and we didn’t want him to deteriorate in the shelter without a family to spoil him. We’re happy to report that Milo is now adopted, loved, and in a fantastic home with his new family.”
Lifeline Animal Project also highlighted that Milo is “just one of the many dogs in our care who have loving families who are facing tough decisions and are trying to do what is best for their beloved pets.” They pointed out, “The struggle animals face is directly tied to the hardships their families face.”
They put out the call for volunteers to foster pets if they are able. They also have a Stay Stay Together Fund (LifeLineAnimal.org/stay-together) that helps families facing financial hardships receive veterinary care that their pets need for them to stay together.
