It’s always heartbreaking when a dog is abandoned, but some people experience difficult life circumstances in which they feel they can no longer care for their pet.
That was the case recently, after a homeless woman made the difficult choice to give up her dog, attaching a heartbreaking note to the dog’s collar.
But since that story went viral last week, there has been a heartwarming update.
On Tuesday, the McKamey Animal Center, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, shared a photo of a handwritten note found attached to a dog named Lilo.
The note explained that Lilo’s owner could no longer keep her because she is homeless and has two kids: “She tried her best but can’t get help,” the note reads.
“I cost too much… She really loves me & I’m a great dog & love to be loved on,” the note continues. “Please don’t abuse me.”
Lilo was reportedly found by a good samaritan and brought to McKamey Animal Center, safe and unharmed.
While the shelter wished the owner had sought their resources for people in need instead of abandoning Lilo, they were sympathetic. In a post addressed to the owner, they offered to reunite her with Lilo and help them out any way they could.
“We will help you with whatever you need to care for her, to the best of our ability,” McKamey Animal Center wrote. “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.”
The story went viral, with people both heartbroken by the situation and inspired by the animal center’s empathetic response.
Then, McKamey Animal Center shared an inspiring update: Lilo’s owner had been found, and the woman and dog had been reunited!
They shared a photo of the homeless woman hugging Lilo, the two of them finally back together. The animal center said they were making good on their promise to help the two get back on their feet.
“While we can’t share a lot of the details with you yet, we are actively working with the family to set them up with a safe haven, shelter, and resources to stay together and tackle homelessness,” their post reads.
“We are thankful for everyone who has advocated for the family, and shared our post. We are amazed at the outpouring of support. It truly takes a community, and you all have certainly shown us how powerful ours is – thank you so much.”
“If Lilo’s story moved you, please consider being a hero for a homeless animal (or family!) in your local community.”
We’re so glad Lilo and her owner have been reunited. Caring for a dog can be a lot of money and responsibility for people in difficult circumstances, but we’re grateful that there are places and resources they can turn to for help.
We hope these two get all the help they need to get back on their feet and stay together forever. Please share this inspiring update!
