The photo is heartbreaking: a sad-looking dog tied to a fire hydrant in Green Bay, Wisconsin who’s sitting next to a backpack filled with all of her worldly belongings.
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A note inside the bag explained that the 6-year-old dog’s name is Baby Girl and that her owner had fallen on hard times. While they love their dog and it crushed them to abandon her, they hoped she’d find a new family to love and care for her.
Good Samaritans brought Baby Girl to the Wisconsin Humane Society who shared the image online. The public response was powerful; people were furious that someone would abandon their dog in this manner. Yet shelter workers chose a more empathetic response, penning an open letter to the dog’s former owner that reminded us all how important it is to be kind.
“You may have seen this recent photo of a dog tied to a fire hydrant in Green Bay, and we understand it evokes a strong emotional response,” the letter began, adding that the dog was in her mandatory stray hold before they open up adoption applications.
They continued on:
First and foremost, we are so sorry you had to part with your best friend. It’s evident just how much you loved her and we can see you did your best while struggling with your own medical complications and challenges of life. We see your love in the bag you carefully packed with all of her favorite things. We see your love in the way you secured her leash so she wouldn’t get hit by a car. We see your love in the way you placed her in the middle of a neighborhood where she’d be quickly found. We see your love in how happy and healthy Baby Girl looks. And we see your love in the note you left, pleading for someone to help her when you no longer could.
They went on to say they wish the owner had brought Baby Girl straight to the shelter but understood why they made the choice they did. They assured them the dog is safe, getting love and attention, and would soon find a new home.
“We wish you all the best and hope that if you see this, you can rest a little easier knowing your Baby Girl has a bright future ahead,” the letter concluded.
While in their care, veterinarians discovered Baby Girl has some potentially costly health problems, including diabetes. Even with this new hurdle, she received tons of adoption applications. Just two weeks after she was found tied to the hydrant, this sweet dog was adopted by a new, loving family!
The shelter also said they’d heard from Baby Girl’s former owner who was grateful for the kind response and positive outcome.
“She expressed her gratitude and happiness knowing Baby Girl would be finding her next loving home soon,” the Human Society shared.
It’s a sweet ending to sad story, and we’re left feeling even more thankful for the kind animal rescuers who choose empathy over judgment. Have a wonderful life, Baby Girl!
Don’t forget to share Baby Girl’s story with a friend.
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