An abandoned dog with a heartbreaking note was found wandering the streets

Lilo was spotted wandering the streets, abandoned and alone. Luckily, a local shelter picked the pup up and brought it to safety. But if not for a heartbreaking handwritten note tucked into its collar, the pup would never find its happy ending.

A devastating note

A passerby spotted an abandoned dog wandering the streets in Tennessee, US. The concerned resident picked the pooch up and contacted the local shelter.

The animal was handed to McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga.

A handwritten note tucked into the pet’s collar gave a little more insight into how the pooch ended up dumped.

The message read:

Please keep my name. My name is Lilo. Please love me. My mom can’t keep me and is homeless with two kids.

It turned out, Lilo’s family couldn't support her anymore after losing a stable roof above their head.

The owner also admitted they couldn't afford to keep the pet.

The note continued:

She tried her best but can’t get help. I cost too much for her. She really loves me, and I’m a great dog and loved to be loved on. Please don’t abuse me.

Read more:

⋙ A frightened dog was tied to a park bench overnight and dumped by its cowardly owner

⋙ A starving dog ‘with every bone visible’ was locked up in the filth by its cruel owner

People offered support

McKamey Animal Center shared a post and a picture of the note on Facebook, saying:

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 charity expressed that they wanted to see people and their pets stay together ‘no matter the circumstance’, and their compassion and the touching note struck a chord with the local community.

Many offered to help the family keep the dog.

One person commented:

Gosh I wish we knew who she is! Don’t know how old her two kids are, but you know they must also be sad about their dog suddenly being gone.

Another one praised the shelter's response:

This is one of the most compassionate things I have read.

A happy ending

In a happy turn of events and thanks to the note detailing the difficult circumstances, Lilo's owner was found and the shelter is currently supporting the family to keep the dog.

They wrote in an update:

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.

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.

Read more:

⋙ This unwanted dog went through 14 failed adoptions, leaving shelter's staff in tears

⋙ An abandoned dog ended up becoming a Guinness World Record holder

Sources used:

- Mirror: 'Abandoned dog found wandering streets with heartbreaking note tucked into her collar'