For 13 years, Mishi had only known one person as her whole world — her dad. From the moment she was a puppy, he was by her side, giving her love, safety, and companionship. But when life took a turn and he was evicted, her devoted dad faced a heartbreaking decision: he had to let her go.
With a heavy heart, Mishi’s dad walked her three miles to Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society in Utica, New York. There, in tears, he surrendered her — not because he wanted to, but because he believed she deserved a better life than he could provide while facing homelessness.
“He did what he had to do to keep Mishi safe,” said Melissa DeMartino of the shelter. “But he couldn’t explain that to her.”
Mishi didn’t understand. The moment her dad left, she began to wail — heartbroken, confused, and afraid. Her cries echoed through the shelter.
“She was screaming and crying,” DeMartino said. “She’s been distraught for days.”
The shelter staff quickly surrounded Mishi with care. They gave her fluffy blankets, fresh food and water, toys, and as much affection as they could offer. But nothing could fill the hole left by her dad.
“Every time she’s placed back in her kennel, the crying starts again,” the shelter shared on Facebook. “She claws at the door, desperate to get back to the life she lost. It’s a reality so different from anything she’s ever known.”
Outside, Mishi still tries to walk toward the road where she last saw her dad, as if she’s hoping he’ll be there waiting.
Despite her grief, Mishi's sweetness shines through. Her tail starts to wag when someone gives her attention, and she lights up when she’s around people who show her love. What she needs now more than anything is a calm, loving home to help her heal.
“Mishi would do best in a home where there are people around,” DeMartino said. “She just wants to be loved.”
After a lifetime of loyalty, Mishi is now the one in need of someone to be there for her — someone to give her the comfort and security she’s lost.
If you’d like to help Mishi, you can donate to Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society to support her care.
If you're interested in giving Mishi the forever home she’s hoping for, please contact the shelter directly here.
