Many people are quick to judge when someone surrenders their dog to a shelter, often without understanding the difficult decision behind it. For a 17-year-old boy, it was a heartbreaking but necessary choice. Homeless and struggling to make ends meet, he knew he could no longer provide for his beloved furry friend and made the responsible decision to bring the dog to the shelter. While he did what he believed was best, the dog was left heartbroken.
When the community heard the boy’s story, many were moved by his selflessness. Living in a small town, the road to stability would be tough for him, but the outpouring of support has been heartening. Many individuals have offered help, not only for the boy but also for his dog, should he be willing to accept it. The community’s response highlights the compassion and understanding that can emerge in difficult times, and there’s hope that, together, they can reunite the boy and his dog once he’s back on his feet.
Doing the Responsible Thing
The boy and his dog were living under a bridge in Senatobia, Mississippi. The dog named Jada is a four-month-old Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix who had been with the boy since she was a tiny pup. The two have a strong bond, but the boy gave her up to the Senatobia-Tate County Animal Shelter because he couldn’t care for her.
He walked Jada all the way to the shelter and gave them a garbage bag filled with her food and blanket. Even though the shelter was at capacity, they knew they couldn’t say no. They kept Jada in the main area of the facility, but she became miserable as soon as her human left.
“My heart broke for him. He was clearly saddened by having to bring his dog up here,” Shelter Director Kris Robinson said. “She was kind of clinging to him around his legs. Every time he would move, she would move. She has bonded with him.”
After the boy left, Jada plopped on the ground and moped. Someone at the shelter took a photo of her lying there beside the garbage bag with her stuff. They shared the image on social media, and people instantly felt heartbroken for Jada and the boy.
Community Steps Up
Someone will foster Jada while law enforcement looks into the situation. Ever since the shelter mentioned the boy’s predicament on Facebook, several people have offered help. Some people claimed they could house him and his dog, and others were willing to help him find a job. A local church also offers temporary shelter and food to those who need it.
Currently, the shelter has been unable to reach the boy, but he has several options for assistance if he’s willing to take it. Robinson believes his decision to surrender Jada was very intelligent. He could’ve easily abandoned the dog, but he went out of his way to keep his four-legged family member safe.
RELATED: He Surrendered His Dog When He Became Homeless. Now, They’re Finally Back Together.
“I think that boy has a lot more integrity than a lot of people around here who dump animals and puppies when they can’t take care of them,” Robinson said.
The shelter said they will update followers if they hear from the boy or gain more information. But for the time being, Jada will be receiving the best care possible. Hopefully, she and her human will be reunited soon.
H/T: fox13memphis.com
Featured Image: Facebook
