Toronto dog left abandoned with note from owner gets adopted by new family

Max, a three-year-old dog that was abandoned and left with a note from his owner pleading to help him find a good home, was adopted last week, the Toronto Humane Society says.

Max, described in the note as a “very smart” dog who is “good with kids,” was found at the Primrose Avenue Parkette near an off-leash dog park on Monday, April 3.

The note revealed that the owner lost their job and apartment and couldn’t afford to care for Max.

“He’s a good boy,” the note concluded.

A handwritten note was left with four-year-old pet dog Max, found abandoned on Monday. Credit: Toronto Humane Society.

Fortunately, this story has a happy ending. The Toronto Humane Society confirmed that Max was adopted on Friday, April 21.

“His new family already loves him so much, and he has a new dog sibling too!” the humane society mentioned in a news release.

Toronto Humane Society offers urgent care program for families

Before Max’s adoption, staff at the humane society were able to track down the dog’s previous owner linked to the note. While the humane society had a “thorough discussion with the family,” they felt that the best outcome for Max was to find him a new home.

“We feel it is important to note that Max’s family is not the only family who have had experiences like this,” the humane society said on April 11.

“When people are faced with the decision of whether or not they can continue caring for their beloved pet, they fear what may happen to them and their pet should they bring them to an animal shelter.”

The Toronto Humane Society continues to offer enrolment into their pet parent support network and urgent care program, which they say not enough people know of.

Launched in 2020, the program provides temporary foster homes for pets whose families are going through difficult times to give owners a chance to get back on their feet while their pet is well cared for.

“If these options are not suitable or do not work for the family, [the] Toronto Humane Society will admit the animal into our care to help find them a new home.”