When staff members at the Arizona Humane Society’s Sunnyslope campus noticed a dog tied up in their parking lot, their hearts immediately sank.
Sadly, pets being abandoned outside shelters isn’t unheard of — but this situation felt different. This time, the dog wasn’t alone.
He had a note.
As employees approached the friendly pup and read the message left beside him, their heartbreak only deepened.
“It is with heavy heart that we had to resort to this, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we had no choice,” the note read. “This is Armando (Mando). He is 4 years old, a Husky Labrador mix. He has had his shots but might need them soon. He’s very friendly with dogs and people. He is prone to ear infections. We pray he finds a good home. God bless.”
The words made one thing painfully clear: Armando had been deeply loved.
While leaving him behind was not the outcome anyone would want, the shelter team could see immediately that his family had cared for him the best they could — and had made an agonizing decision when life left them with no other option.
“In addition to the heartfelt note he was left with, it was clear that Armando had been well cared for,” said Kelsey Dickerson, public information officer at AHS. “He appeared to be in great condition when he was found.”
Armando, however, didn’t understand why his world had suddenly changed.
Confused and unsure, he waited patiently as shelter staff gently brought him inside and helped him settle in. At first, he was shy — but that didn’t last long.
“With a little time, lots of patience and plenty of hot dogs, Armando quickly warmed up,” Dickerson said. “As the note described, he is an incredibly sweet boy who loves people and enjoys playing with other dogs.”
Though the shelter was a big adjustment from the home he once knew, Armando didn’t have to wait long for another chance.
On Christmas Eve, his story took a joyful turn when he was adopted into a forever family — and it didn’t take long for him to feel right at home.
“He’s been playing nonstop with his new dog sister,” Dickerson said. “She’s even been sharing her couch with him between rounds of tug-of-war in the backyard. His family says it feels like he’s always belonged there.”
Armando’s former family never wanted to say goodbye. Their hearts are surely still heavy — but there’s comfort in knowing that the dog they loved so deeply is now safe, cherished and home again.
If you’d like to help dogs like Armando find second chances, consider donating to the Arizona Humane Society.
