Got your tissues handy? Good, because while this is ultimately a good story, that doesn't mean it isn't a sad one.
Animal shelters are used to finding unwanted pets left at their door. There's never really a good reason for a pet to be abandoned. Sometimes a family simply can't afford to keep them, or they don't get along with a new baby or spouse, or maybe the owners were just over having a pet. It's always sad for volunteers to find a box by the door.
With the American Staffordshire Terrier puppy was a stuffed toy and a handwritten note that broke the volunteers' hearts.
Translated from Spanish, the note said:
"My name is Andrés and I am 12 years old. My mom and I decided to leave my dog in your hands, hiding it from my dad because he is thinking about selling him. But he mistreats and kicks him. One day he kicked him so hard that he hurt his tail. I hope you can help and take care of him."
"I left him a stuffed animal so he won't forget me."
In an interview, volunteer Rosa María Segura explained that Rene is currently on antibiotics to treat an infection and his tail has been healing well.
It may be a while before Rene is ready for a new home, though. They want to make sure he is fully healed, vaccinated, and neutered before finding him a forever home.
And of course, his stuffed toy will be staying with him.
After some commenters raised concerns about the welfare of Andrés and his mother, Xollin explained that without more info, it may be hard to find the family, but they are hoping neighbors who might see the viral story will reach out so that the proper authorities can be alerted.
h/t: CNN
