Sometimes you have to make a difficult decision to do right by somebody else - no matter how painful it might be for you. A 12-year-old boy made the heartbreaking decision to rehome his beloved dog because it was being illtreated by his dad.
Leaving the dog in a cardboard box outside a rescue centre, the boy, named Andrés, from Mexico, made sure to pack the pup's favourite teddy bear with him. He also left a note explaining why his dog, now named Rene, would be better off with somebody else.
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The letter read: “My name is Andrés and I'm 12-years-old. My mom and I decided to leave him to you. All of this is behind my dad's back, because he was thinking of selling him.
"But he is always beating and kicking the dog. Once he kicked him so hard that his little tail got injured. I hope you can help him and take care of him. Here is a plush toy so he won't forget me.”
Little Rene spent just a short time inside the box before being picked up by rescue centre Xollin, which helps to rehome abandoned animals who have suffered at the hands of humans.
A spokesperson said: "They left us this one. puppy outside of the. shelter, inside a box, with a note and a teddy.
"The note was written by a boy and explained that his dad abused this puppy and was going to sell it. With all that burden of despair they left him to us to be saved.
"We have. have to take him to the doctor for tail check up as it seems to be fractured, deworm him and start his medical picture. More expenses for us and more work but luckily he is safe."
Although Rene is yet to secure a new home, he has been enjoying living alongside the 203 other dogs at the rescue shelter - and is 'remaining hopeful about the future', according to a rescue worker.
"I live a very happy life with my 203 brothers and sisters. I am very greedy, playful and loving. From love, they call me baby pig," the spokesperson added.
Speaking about their mission to rehome 'unwanted' animals, the spokesperson added: "We are an association dedicated to the care and welfare of dogs that have been abandoned or due to extreme abuse.
"We take care of them and rehabilitate them physically and emotionally so that they can smile again, have confidence in human beings and thus be happier in a new home, through adoption, or in our centre through sponsorship."
To support the charity, visit their Facebook page.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
