Although dogs are commonly known as man’s best friend, this doesn’t stop some people from mistreating them. Unfortunately, there are too many cases of animal abuse where pet owners physically harm their animals to a degree that goes beyond what could be called ‘animalistic.’
Recently, the internet was reminded of just how harsh reality can be for these abused animals when a 12-year-old boy had to give up his dog to protect it from his abusive father.
A young boy by the name of Andrés left his pitbull puppy at a shelter in Mexico on February 13th. He penned an emotional letter to the rescue group, explaining that he fears for the pup’s safety due to his abusive and violent father who wishes to sell him.
The actions of this brave pre-teen showcase the unrest that many children experience daily within their homes, unable to find refuge or have anyone contend with their struggles other than themselves.
Andrés wrote a touching letter to the shelter, asking them to take care of his puppy. He explained that he had been mistreated and kicked by his owner, and one day he was kicked so hard that he broke his tail. Andrés said goodbye to his pup with a stuffed animal, in hopes that the pup would remember him.
The only things known about the boy are his name, age, and nationality; but soon after receiving the puppy, the shelter took him for a health check-up—as per Andrés’s request—to treat the injured tail.
Xollin also mentioned in their Facebook post that they would have the puppy dewormed and begin his health chart before putting him up for adoption. In the same post, it was stated “We need to take the dog to the vet so he can check his tail, which is fractured. We also need to remove parasites and get him a check-up.
This means more expenses and work for us, but luckily the dog will be safe.” Soon after sharing this heartbreaking story, animal lovers from all over pledged support with over 300 adoption requests flooding into the shelter.
Although the group was ecstatic that Andres had given one of their pitbull puppies home, they reminded everyone that there were still nearly 120 animals at the shelter waiting to be adopted. The rescuers said in a Facebook post, “If everyone opened their heart and home like this little dog, we would have no more dogs left at the shelter.”
Touched by Andrés and Rene’s story, social media users from all over shared kind words and even some offered to help with his vet bills.
Paul El-Meouchy: It’s difficult for me to adopt one of your dogs since I live in the United States and already have a great rescue dog called Max, but we would be delighted to donate money towards veterinary expenses. Please let me know if that’s possible and how to go about doing it.
Doolzhe Morales: Your puppies are so affectionate and grateful. Mine is very gentle instead of aggressive … you can see that this little one needs care. How can I support you? Please send me a message with your card number so I can help out.
Joann Soares took to the comments to express her concern for Andrés, writing: I hope someone helps that boy and his mother get out of that situation. Maybe he can get his puppy back too. It takes a big heart for such a young boy to do what he did. His mommy raised him right. I hope he can be reunited with his puppy, be safe with his mom, grow up happy, and become a better man than his father one day.”