3-month-old puppy found tied to rescue van with heartbreaking note—'Please'

A dog that was found tied to the van of a rescue worker is looking for a new home after he was taken in by SPCA New Zealand.

SPCA Field Officer Jamie returned to his vehicle to discover a young puppy tethered to the back. The dog, later named Samuel, had been positioned on the shady side of the vehicle with water and food within reach.

Attached to the back of the van was a heartbreaking note, begging the SPCA to care for Samuel.

"This is the unfortunate reality for many pet owners in New Zealand," the SPCA said in a Facebook post on March 7. "With the cost of living crisis, it's only becoming more common for people to have to give up their animals."

It isn't just New Zealand, either. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 6.3 million pets enter shelters in the United States each year, an average of 17,260 a day.

The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters in the U.S. hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet "Shelter Watch Report" found. Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year.

Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

Thankfully, the rescue took in Samuel, but it clarified that where possible it is always a better idea to seek support before leaving animals abandoned.

"Like all rescues, SPCA is struggling to keep up with the number of animals and owners needing help in our communities, but we are always here to support however we can," said the SPCA New Zealand. "It is always, always better to reach out to us for help than to dump your animals, which will only serve to boost the stray and unwanted population."

Newsweek reached out to SPCA New Zealand for comment.

The rescue's post on Facebook has since gained thousands of reactions. "So good of the owner to actually leave him safely and thoughtfully," said one comment.

While another Facebook user said: "I hope this baby finds a loving home."

Now available for adoption, Samuel is estimated to be around 3 months old and has been health checked, microchipped, and neutered. He has had all vaccinations, worming, and flea treatment.

Full of energy, Samuel is looking for a home where he can express his cheeky personality and enjoy a busy lifestyle.

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