“Please love me. My mom can’t keep me and is homeless with 2 kids.”
Those words filled an emotional note found with a dog that was roaming alone with her leash on, a Tennessee photo shows.
“She tried her best but can’t get help,” the pet owner’s note continued. “I cost too much for her. She really loves me.”
Lilo, the abandoned dog, eventually was taken to the McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga. After reading the note attached to her collar, the shelter posted its heartfelt response on Facebook.
“We are so sorry that you had to make the decision to leave her behind,” the shelter wrote on Jan. 24. “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.”
In its note, the shelter promised the owner it would do its best to keep Lilo’s name, care for her and find her a loving home. But it also wanted the owner to know it had a pet food pantry, low-cost care options and ties to resources for people experiencing homelessness.
“Lilo definitely misses you, and we would like nothing more than to see her go back to the family she loves,” the shelter wrote. “Either way, please know that we understand, we will not judge, and we are here to help in any way we can.”
Within 24 hours of being shared on Facebook, the exchange had garnered more than 3,000 reactions and over 500 comments. Several social media users said the post was touching and wanted Lilo to reunite with her owner, whom the shelter hadn’t found.
“This is so heartbreaking, but this situation is not unique,” one person wrote on Facebook. “I hope her family can get on their feet soon and possibly reclaim her.”
Another person commented: “I hope the mom sees all these messages of support. I believe there are enough of us to help with resources that she can keep her dog.”
SEE FACEBOOK POSTS BELOW, IMCLUDING THE MOST RECENT UPDATE ON THIS STORY: