Every dog carries a story with them. Some chapters are filled with joy, others with heartbreak — and Rhoudy’s story holds a little of both.
Rhoudy, a 3-year-old terrier mix, recently arrived at the Greenville Humane Society in South Carolina after being surrendered by his family. While the reasons behind the decision aren’t fully known, shelter staff could tell right away that letting him go wasn’t easy.
Rhoudy didn’t come alone. Tucked in with him was a handwritten note — clearly written by children who loved him deeply.
“We love you Rhoudy. I will miss you, Rhoudy. But you’re going home! And I hope your people love you as much as I do. Love, [redacted]. You good boy!!!”
The message immediately touched everyone who read it. Staff members were so moved that they felt compelled to write back.
Their reply, addressed simply “To Rhoudy’s Previous Kids,” acknowledged the heartbreak behind the goodbye.
“We got your note. We know how hard it was to say goodbye,” the letter begins. “But you were so brave and so strong. Sometimes hard decisions have to be made, but he knows how much you love him.”
The shelter’s message goes on to reassure the kids that Rhoudy is safe, cared for and cherished — and ends with a promise that they will do everything possible to find him a wonderful new home.
Because Rhoudy was transferred from another shelter, staff don’t know how to reach the children who wrote the note. Still, they hope their words somehow find their way back.
“He came with the note when he was transferred, so we never met the kids,” a shelter spokesperson told The Dodo. “We just wanted them to know he’s doing really well and is in great hands.”
Now, the final chapter of Rhoudy’s story is waiting to be written.
Rhoudy is still available for adoption at the Greenville Humane Society, hoping the promise made to the kids who loved him first will soon be fulfilled — and that his next home will be forever.
