An abandoned dog wandering around Chattanooga, Tennessee, with a note attached to her collar, has been reunited with her family.
Abandoned Dog Found With Note From Houseless Mom
McKamey Animal Center shared the sad story of the abandoned dog on Facebook recently. In the initial post, the shelter stated that the pup, named Lilo, had been found wandering the streets with a note attached to her collar.
The handwritten missive began, “My name is Lilo. Please love me. My mom can’t keep me and is homeless with 2 kids. She tried her best but can’t get help. I cost too much.”
“I’m a great dog and love to be loved on. Please don’t abuse me,” the note concluded.
McKamey Animal Center shared a photo of the note and the pup.
“While we understand what and why Lilo’s mom did what she did, we wish that she had come to us first for resources and help,” the post read. “We’re here to help and we want to see people and their pets stay together, no matter the circumstance.”
The center detailed its many services, including low-cost and “sometimes free” vaccines, microchips, and spay/neuter services as well as a community pet food pantry. There was also a link to self-rehoming resources.
The post ended with a plea to not abandon pets. “Abandoning an animal is illegal, but more importantly, it should never have to be an option,” the post read.
In an update, the center added an open letter to Lilo’s mom:
“Lilo arrived at MAC a few days ago after a Good Samaritan found her wandering with her leash still attached, likely near where you left her. We are so sorry that you had to make the decision to leave her behind. We know many folks are struggling to care for their pets right now. We know how hard it must be to give up an animal you so clearly loved because you can’t provide the care she needs. We understand,” it read.
The open letter continued: “We want you to know she is safe, and we will take the very best care of her. She will be loved by our staff and volunteers, we will keep her name, and we promise you we will do our best to find her a wonderful new home. But if you are reading this, we hope you will come forward to reclaim her. We will help you with whatever you need to care for her, to the best of our ability. Lilo definitely misses you, and we would like nothing more than to see her go back to the family she loves. Either way, please know that we understand, we will not judge, and we are here to help in any way we can.”
Together Again
Apparently, the outreach effort was successful, as a subsequent Facebook post shared the news that Lilo had been reunited with his dog mom and that McKamey Animal Center was “actively working with the family to set them up with a safe haven, shelter, and resources to stay together and tackle homelessness.”
No one should have to choose between taking care of their human family and their fur babies, but if you or someone you know can no longer care for a pet, contact your local animal shelter for rehoming resources and options for surrendering your pet. This ensures the animal will be well cared for and safe and gives them the best chance to find another forever home.
