We’ve all witnessed or at least heard of situations where an animal gets abandoned. Some of us might have heard of a litter of kittens being dropped off in the middle of an open field. Or, we may have heard of a trusty canine intentionally getting left at its original home when the owner moves elsewhere. To even fathom the reality of these situations is heartbreaking.
There are many reasons why animal abandonment is cruel. While there are different levels of abandonment, to place your pet, or any animal, on the streets is a big slap in their face. Without words, it expresses that they’re not good enough. Especially when dropping off a tame animal, they may have difficulty fending for themselves. So, in reality, you’re potentially giving them a death sentence. In addition, the mere fact that one can simply take an animal to a shelter or find someone to take them in leaves no excuse for a decision as cruel as abandonment.
Unfortunately, for 12-year-old Tessa, she was one of many victims of animal abandonment. The tiny canine was spotted alone behind a bush by the South Yorkshire Pet Ambulance, a volunteer-run, British ambulance service back in 2017.
According to Alan Webster who runs the non-profit, “Some scumbag has dumped this dog – behind a bush at Oldcoates car boot. We arrived here at 5 am this morning to find [her] tied up and laying on a wet bed.”
Not only was Tessa left completely alone near a potentially-dangerous road, but she had a note tied to her that read:
“The dog (Tessa) is 12 years old (Tessa) is not my dog. My neighbour told me that Tessa is chipped. My neighbour asked me if I would take charge [of] Tessa. As my neighbour – has planned herself a new life in (Canada). Reluctantly I said ‘yes’ (but) I did know I will not keep Tessa.”
“Tessa likes tea, coffee and watered milk. Tessa’s first meal is close to 11:30 am. My neighbour is now gone to (Canada). My neighbour was happy thinking that Tessa is in good hands. Sorry for the above but I don’t need a dog.”
Although it’s fortunate that the man who wrote the letter included Tessa’s special feeding schedule, the most painful part of his letter is the last sentence.
While there may or may not be complete truth to the letter, Alan, however, took it with a grain of salt. “If the note is true then shame on the woman who went to live in Canada (personally I think it’s a lie) and shame on the bloke who tied up and dumped an elderly dog in a field with the expectations of someone finding her.” he continues on Facebook.
Regardless of the intentions of the man who dumped off the elderly dog, all he had to do was take her to a shelter or find her a forever home himself. Better yet, he could have simply never accepted the dog from his neighbour.
Fortunately, Tessa was given great care from Alan and his team. “I’m too polite to put in words what I really think. Anyway, Tessa had some warm rice pudding for her breakfast, and chicken for dinner,” he says.
Alan later gave an update. The man who abandoned Tessa has been found. Whether or not he will suffer criminal charges is still a mystery.
Additionally, Alan mentioned that the pup was taken to a Leeds dog shelter called Dogs Trust where she is now up for adoption. We hope she goes to a great home if she didn’t already get one already!
Learn more about Tessa’s story in the video below.
