As a responsible dog owner, sometimes you're force to make a heartbreaking decision because you know it's in your pet's best interest.
A homeless teenager has surrendered his four-month-old puppy to an animal shelter because he can no longer provide for her in the way she deserves.
After taking her to Senatobia-Tate Country Animal Shelter, in Mississippi, America, the boy's heartwrenching act of love left its mark on rescue workers.
A spokeswoman said: "The homeless teenager, who brought this baby to the shelter to surrender her because he couldn’t give her what she needs, is getting the help he needs.
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"I hope his selfless actions have made people think about the animals in this community - they deserve a chance, they don’t deserve to be dumped anywhere."
The 17-year-old boy has been living under a bridge and walked his puppy, named Jada, to the shelter because he couldn't afford a seat on public transport.
The heartbroken pooch was 'pinned to her owner's leg' as he signed her over to the team - and has been pictured laying in their reception pining for his return.
The spokeswoman added: "This is where she laid after her owner surrendered her with her plastic bag of dog food and a blanket. She is devastated.
"Many have asked what they can do to help. Thanks everyone for your concern for both of them - the response from people everywhere has been touching.
"Please consider donating to your local shelters to help them spay and neuter all the animals in their care. It's for their health and so that there are not as many unwanted litters of babies."
Thanks to people's generosity, the teenager has been given a place to stay and will be reunited with his dog soon.
Online many people have been praising him for his selfless act of love.
One user said: "I pray he comes back and gets that dog - she's a beautiful dog.
"If anything, I just want her to go to a good home. You guys are amazing for holding and caring for the dog while he gets on his feet"
Another said: "Thank you for helping him. His maturity is beyond his years and the selfless kindness to turn Jada over broke my heart. I am glad he is getting a hand up and I'm grateful to be part of it."
A third said: "This is the most heartwrenching story but it has the most beautiful ending. Tears flowed but now happy tears.
"Pease let us see the reunion when they are united. It doesn't get any better than this story.
"No matter his situation, he did the right thing and truly loves his dog, and I will keep them in my thoughts."
A Senatobia-Tate Country Animal Shelter spokeswoman added: "If you would like to help here is what you can do, we’d like to get the dog spayed and get enough flea and tick and heart prevention for a year at least for her, if you’d like to donate please do so through PayPal and use fosasenatobia@gmail.com.
"You can also donate for the young man- monetarily or Walmart gift cards. I know he would appreciate the help, both for him and for his dog. I will make sure everything gets to them."
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
