Two Senior Dogs Left Tied to Shelter with Heart-Wrenching Note From Homeless Owner

Earlier this week, staff members at New Jersey’s Bloomfield Animal Shelter (BAS) prepared for another routine day of saving lives. But, they were taken aback by the two old dogs chained to the outer gate. Shocked and saddened, the staff quickly noticed a note left with the dogs. Their hearts sank as they read the message.

A Heartbreaking Plea for Help

The owner had become homeless and could no longer care for her two dogs Shadow and Tiger. In a heartbreaking cry for help, they had hoped the shelter could give them a better life. The note read: “Hi. I am sorry, but my babies deserve to live their golden years happy and in a good, warm home for the winter. I can’t take care of them while living on the street. Our home was foreclosed on, putting us out in the street. Please take care of them and don’t kill them.”

The message continued begging for the dogs to remain together. The two dogs, Shadow and Tiger, had been littermates born in 2009 and are about to celebrate their 15th birthday this October. Sadly, the shelter was already full, so the staff had to rush to find any leads willing to adopt both elderly angels.

The Shelter’s Desperate Call for Help

With no legal pawprints, the shelter couldn’t verify much of the information in the note, at least not without speaking directly to the owner. Still, Tiger and Shadow’s owner painted a picture of two perfectly sweet dogs. Despite their future being on the fence, Shadow and Tiger seemed friendly and loving to all with relatively good health.

Trying to bark up as many trees as they could, Bloomfield Animal Shelter made a public plea for an emergency foster home. Luckily, Scooby-Doo’s Rescue Mission (SDRM) quickly stepped in. When SDRM’s Christine Biggiani Bakelaar showed up to the shelter, ready to provide them with some extra puppy love.

An Early Birthday Blessing

Christine shared on Facebook: “OMG! I just re-read the letter… their birthday is October 12… THAT’S MY BIRTHDAY!!!” What are the odds of such a special connection? She knew it was meant to be.

While Christine found a temporary foster home for Shadow and Tiger, she also began searching for their previous family. She was hoping to get some more information about the dogs’ medical history and offer reassurance that they were in good hands. “I promise never to separate them,” she wrote, committing to keep their lifelong sibling bond alive.

Sadly Shadow and Tiger’s story is not as uncommon as you’d think. Shelters all over the country are packed to the brim with pets that people can’t keep anymore because they’re struggling with money and housing. Not all pets are as lucky to find a home. “While we feel terrible for the circumstances, this is an unacceptable way to turn your pets into the shelter, especially when there are no open cages,” BAS wrote.  I just can’t believe someone could walk away from two dogs tied up like this!

The Road Ahead for Shadow and Tiger

If it weren’t for the kind rescuers and the compassionate people who welcomed them into their homes these Shadow and Tiger might not have had such a love-filled retirement plan. But for now, they are enjoying their peaceful life on a farm. Every dog day is spent playing and eating like little pigs. They also absolutely adore all the cuddles from their foster family! But they’re still just a tail wag away from the stresses that led up to their situation.

Rescuers are still deciding whether to try reconnecting these poor old souls with their previous family or find them a new forever home. In a heartfelt update, Biggiani Bakelaar shared Shadow and Tiger’s gratitude: “Shadow and Tiger want to say thank you to all of you for loving them so much on this beautiful sunny day.” From puppyhood to their last moments Shadow and Tiger are ready to enter their future home at each other’s side.