Sick Dog Is Left Tied to Fire Hydrant with Backpack and a Note from Previous Owner

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a dog was left tied to a fire hydrant with a note from her owner and a backpack. But things took an unusual turn when the sad-looking furry baby caught the attention of a stranger. What do you think happened next? 

There’s something incredibly genuine and pure about the way animals are attached to human beings. Undoubtedly, the two share a lovely bond that only gets more profound with time. Moreover, caring for animals and being there for them teaches us kindness, compassion, selflessness, and love. 

A dog is considered a man’s best friend. These four-legged babies are loyal and trustworthy and never leave their human friends, come rain or shine. Sadly, their friendship might sometimes be tested, leaving either or both parties in deep sorrow and pain. Today’s story sheds light on something similar. 

“BABY GIRL”

In early May 2022, a dog was found on the corner of East Walnut Street and South Clay Street in Green Bay, Wisconsin. A note from the pup’s owner mentioned that her name was “Baby Girl,” and they couldn’t take care of her anymore. In addition to the note, a backpack was left with the dog. 

The backpack was stuffed with food, treats, and toys. The dog was tied to a fire hydrant in the area with nobody around. In an astonishing turn of events, the lonely pooch caught the attention of a stranger who lived in the neighborhood. 

The resident, Kylie Rose Engelhardt, shared a post about the abandoned dog on her Facebook. Her social media post contained two pictures of Baby Girl looking glum, with her backpack sitting next to her. 

THE NEVER-ENDING WAIT

Engelhardt said she accompanied the pup for an hour and waited for someone to come and take her. But when nobody came to get the dog, the resident said she did what she felt was right given the situation. She added:

” [I] sat outside with her for an hour keeping her warm waiting for someone to come back but no one did. Took her to the humane society in Green Bay. I did my best everyone. Trust me, it breaks my heart too.” 

After the resident took Baby Girl to Green Bay’s Humane Society, the organization put up its own Facebook post, confirming that she was doing great while serving her mandatory stray hold under their care and protection.

A COMPASSIONATE MESSAGE

But that wasn’t all. The WHS also left a heartfelt message for the dog’s owner. They wrote:

“First and foremost, we are so sorry you had to part with your best friend. It’s evident just how much you loved her and we can see you did your best while struggling with your own medical complications and challenges of life.” 

The organization offered compassion and empathy to the canine’s last caretaker and mentioned the many signs that proved Baby Girl was loved and valued. The caption further said:

“We see your love in the bag you carefully packed with all of her favorite things. We see your love in the way you secured her leash so she wouldn’t get hit by a car. We see your love in the way you placed her in the middle of a neighborhood where she’d be quickly found.” 

Moreover, WHS appreciated Baby Girl’s last owner for keeping her happy and healthy and for leaving a touching note asking someone to help her when they no longer could do so themselves. The remaining part of the caption read:

“While we’ll never let fees be a barrier and we welcome anonymous surrenders, we see that you did what you thought was best for your beloved pup and we are grateful for your compassion. Rest assured that she’s safe, she’s getting tons of attention from our team, and she’s on track to find her next loving family very soon.”

GOING VIRAL

The organization also said they were hopeful that if Baby Girl’s previous caretaker saw their Facebook post, they could feel at ease knowing she had a bright future ahead. It was also evident from WHS’s post that if nobody claimed the pooch, they would place her for adoption. 

Further, the organization added that Baby Girl’s new adoptive owner would have to take care of her health and follow a veterinarian’s plan.

The animal shelter’s social media post went viral, amassing 8K reactions and over 2.5K shares. Many netizens were touched by the heartbreaking images of Baby Girl and shared their own stories in the comments. 

A person pats a dog on the head. | Source: Unsplash

TOTALLY RELATABLE 

Fanny Van de Kamp narrated how she was forced to abandon a dog 14 years ago because she couldn’t afford his medical care. She said the decision still pained her, and WHS’s compassionate letter offered her healing. 

Andrea Allen Brazeau thanked WHS for changing her perspective and expressed she was in tears for Baby Girl and her owner. She also said that the owner “did a difficult, selfless thing to ensure she was cared for when they couldn’t provide. That, my friends, is the definition of love.”

Cheryl Callaway Kienitz revealed she was grateful that Baby Girl was safe. She said she volunteered at a local shelter and often saw people bring cats, dogs, or stray animals. Kienitz added that she never judged people who surrendered their pets and hoped that Baby Girl would find a new home. 

A pup sitting on the field covered with withered leaves. | Source: Unsplash

THE HARDEST GOODBYE

When Baby Girl’s story garnered nationwide attention, her previous owner, who remained anonymous, explained her decision to leave her dog tied to a fire hydrant. After the story went viral, the owner said she received severe backlash and feared retaliation. 

She also said that leaving Baby Girl was the hardest thing she ever did, but it was her only option. The owner added that she was living on the streets and undergoing chemotherapy, making it impossible for her to look after the adorable pup.

Moreover, she also hoped that Baby Girl would find a new and loving home and receive all the love and protection she could not offer. She further stated:

“When I put her on the hydrant, I just saw her face that she was like, mom, what, what’s going on here? I hope she finds a fantastic family. She deserves it. Just forgive me and bless Baby Girl. Make sure she’s ok.”

A picture showing a dog being caressed by someone. | Source: Unsplash

UPDATES ON THE LOVELY PUP

In an update to Baby Girl’s story dated May 10, the WHS thanked everyone for their overwhelming support and kindness for Baby Girl and her previous owner. The organization also confirmed that they contacted Baby Girl’s last owner and honored her wishes to find her a new home. 

The post further said that the sweet six-year-old canine had Diabetes mellitus, and the shelter had her on a management plan which monitored her health. Further, the organization added that Baby Girl’s new adoptive owner would have to take care of her health and follow a veterinarian’s plan.

Several users left encouraging messages for Baby Girl in the comments. One person wrote: “Prayers to her previous owner. And prayers Baby Girl finds a forever home.” Another said: “Blessings to the woman who was her previous owner.”

HOME AT LAST

In a final update posted on May 12, the WHS team announced that Baby Girl had finally found a new home. We are beyond delighted to know that this lovely dog was able to go home, and we hope she receives the love and care she rightly deserves.

Please show Baby Girl some love and share this heart-touching story with your loved ones. 

Anomama