When staff members at Bloomfield Animal Shelter (BAS) arrived one morning, they were shocked to find two abandoned dogs at the gate. The canines gazed at their rescuers with disillusionment, their eyes reflecting the deep sorrow of having watched their owner walk away.
Rushed to comfort the devastated pups, the staff discovered they were tied to a fence with a poignant note left behind.
The Dogs’ Story
Upon reading the note from their owner, the staff’s hearts shattered. It revealed the owner’s desperate plea:
“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.”
In the note, the owner begged the staff not to euthanize the dogs and to keep them together. The letter further revealed that the pets, named Shadow and Tiger, were brothers born on October 12th, 2009, and described as friendly and affectionate.
With no space for the abandoned dogs, the rescuers posted a plea for help on social media, seeking a foster home. Fortunately, Scooby-Doo’s Rescue Mission (SDRM), located in Lincoln Park, New Jersey, promptly offered to take Shadow and Tiger in.
Siblings Start Smiling Again
Christine Biggiani Bakelaar, the rescue owner, rushed to the shelter to bring Shadow and Tiger home. Upon seeing their photos and the sadness in their eyes, she felt an instant connection. As she picked them up, the pups began to smile, seemingly understanding that they would no longer be left alone. Bakelaar noticed that they shared a birthday, affirming her belief that these dogs were meant to be in her life.
After securing a loving foster home on a farm, the brothers were given time to adjust and decompress.
Soaking Up Their Foster’s Love
As their loving foster showered them with affection, Shadow and Tiger slowly realized their safety and began to bask in the love being offered. The New Jersey rescue team aims to locate the dogs’ previous family to learn more about their medical background. Bakelaar expressed sadness for the former owner’s plight and hopes they will reach out to her, assuring them that Shadow and Tiger are well-cared for and will not be separated.
“If anyone sees this and knows the people, please have them reach out to me. No questions asked, only to let them know that their boys are OK. I promise never to separate them. I want them to visit or at least allow me to send updates…” the rescuer expressed in a Facebook comment.
The team continues to wait for any contact from the dogs’ former owner. If they do not hear back, Shadow and Tiger will need to turn the page in their lives to find their forever home. For now, these charming seniors are flourishing in their foster home and enjoying farm life.
