After opening its doors one morning, the Harris County Animal Shelter in Houston, Texas, workers were left stunned when they realized someone had left a crate in their parking lot. Inside, was a distressed 1-year-old poodle named Lee, entangled in a thick coat of filth.
“Lee was matted and covered in urine when he arrived. He was very unsure and nervous,” said Kerry McKeel, the shelter’s media specialist. On top of the crate was a note, handwritten from Lee’s owner. It read:
The crate bore a hastily written note from Lee’s owner, pleading for help with the dog’s care due to financial constraints. The heartfelt message read:
“Can you please take care of my dog? He’s a great puppy, I just couldn’t afford to keep him. His name is Lee. He will listen, he will bark, and will not bite. Please don’t put him down I love him, but can’t afford to keep him. I haven’t shaved him yet, I apologize, but please care for him and find him a home. Thanks.”
Shelter employees give Lee a much-needed grooming. Photo courtesy of Harris County Animal Shelter
Recent storms in the area, McKeel said, had left some homeowners dealing with financial hardships and sadly more animals had been surrendered to the shelter. Despite the challenges, the shelter remains committed to assisting pet owners in need, offering various support services.
“We certainly understand financial hardship, but if there is some small way that we can help keep pets with their people, we want to do that,” Harris County Animal Shelter wrote on Facebook.
Before making that decision to give up a pet, talk to us about your circumstance to determine if we can link you with a resource.”
The shelter gave Lee a much-needed grooming and plenty of care, and the pup began showing his true personality. He was a completely different dog. “Lee is an affectionate, very smart and spunky pup,” McKeel said. “He knows how to sit and play fetch. He certainly went from bow to wow.”
Lee is a quite happy pup now that he has been all spruced up. Photo courtesy of Harris County Animal Shelter
Everyone at the shelter wanted to help give Lee his best life. McKeel went so far as to foster him herself. “He is such a good pup. Very playful,” McKeel said. “I also learned this morning that he really enjoys a Puppuccino! We did a Starbucks run.”
With all the love and attention, Lee quickly found himself a new home and family to enjoy the rest of his day with. Watch below to see the fairyTAIL ending!
Sources: The Dodo | Business Insider