“Please keep them together if you can …” 💔
Earlier this week, the dedicated team at Bloomfield Animal Shelter (BAS) in New Jersey arrived for what they expected to be a routine day of saving lives. To their dismay, they found two sorrowful pups waiting at the gate, unexpectedly tethered to the shelter’s fence. Upon closer inspection, they discovered a poignant message left behind by their owner.
“On Monday, 9/16/2024, we found these two senior dogs tied up and accompanied by a note,” BAS shared on Facebook. The staff’s hearts sank as they read the owner’s heartfelt words, which revealed the dogs’ challenging circumstances.
“Hello. I’m so sorry, but my boys deserve to spend their golden years happy and in a warm home this winter,” the note stated. “I can’t care for them anymore since we’re now living on the streets. Our home was foreclosed, leaving us without shelter. Please take care of them and ensure they are safe.” The staff gazed at the two dogs, whose wise faces were adorned with gray fur, and learned their names.
“Hi, we’re Shadow (the black pup) and Tiger (the brown brindle), and we’re brothers,” the note continued. “We were born in 2009, and our birthday is coming up on October 12—we’ll be 15 years old! Please keep us together if possible.” The note described the brothers as friendly with other animals and affectionate towards people and children. Unfortunately, without the chance to talk directly to their owner, BAS couldn’t confirm these details.
Adding to the shelter’s challenges, they were already at capacity and had no available space for the dogs.
“While we empathize with their situation, this is not an acceptable way to relinquish pets, especially with no available kennels,” BAS explained. In a bid to find a temporary home, they issued a heartfelt appeal for emergency fosters. Fortunately, Scooby-Doo’s Rescue Mission (SDRM) stepped up to assist. Christine Biggiani Bakelaar from SDRM quickly rushed to the shelter to rescue the dogs.
Upon seeing the pups’ photo, Biggiani Bakelaar felt an instant connection, but it was the note that revealed a deeper bond.
“OMG! I just re-read the owner’s letter, and their birthday is October 12… THAT’S MY BIRTHDAY!!!” she exclaimed on Facebook. “This was meant to be.” Biggiani Bakelaar secured a loving foster home for Shadow and Tiger, where they will stay temporarily. Meanwhile, their rescuers are trying to track down their former family to learn more about the dogs’ medical history. Biggiani Bakelaar wants to reassure the family that the boys are thriving.
“If anyone knows the previous owners, please have them contact me. No questions asked; I just want to understand more about them and let their family know the boys are doing well. I promise I won’t separate them,” she commented on Facebook. “I want to offer updates or even arrange visits. I can’t imagine what this family is enduring.” Unfortunately, Shadow and Tiger’s situation is part of a broader shelter crisis nationwide, where families are forced to give up their pets due to financial hardships and housing instability. Despite their heartbreaking story, the brothers are now in loving hands with SDRM.
“They are staying on a farm with a close friend, where they’ll be cherished and well cared for,” Biggiani Bakelaar wrote on Facebook. “They need some time to adjust, and they’ll certainly receive plenty of love here.” Shadow and Tiger are currently on a weight-gaining meal plan, enjoying three meals a day.
As the team determines the best course of action—whether to wait for the previous family to reach out or find new homes for the pups—the brothers continue to bask in the affection they are receiving.
“Shadow and Tiger want to express their gratitude to everyone for your love on this beautiful sunny day,” Biggiani Bakelaar shared in a Facebook update. “Thank you so much once again.”