Arizona family leaves 4-year-old dog tied up in the parking lot with a note containing a heartbreaking plea

A dog left tied up in a parking lot with nothing but a short letter is now starting over with a new family and a second chance. Armando, a 4-year-old Labrador-Husky mix, was found outside the Arizona Humane Society’s Sunnyslope Campus on December 15, just before the holidays, reported PEOPLE. The only thing left with him was a handwritten note from his previous owners.

The letter read, "It is with a heavy heart that we had to resort to this, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we had no choice. This is Armando (Mando). He is four years old, a Husky Labrador Mix. He has had his shots but might need them soon. He’s very friendly with dogs and people. He is prone to ear infections. We pray he finds a good home. God bless." As per AHS, Armando was treated for an ear infection at their trauma hospital and otherwise given a clean bill of health. Though understandably shy at first, staff said he warmed up quickly to affection and treats.

"This sweet pup can be a bit nervous at first, but quickly warms up with pets (and treats) and loves getting attention from his human friends," AHS shared in a statement, and confirmed that Armando was adopted on Christmas Eve. "He has been playing nonstop with his new dog sister, and she has even been sharing ‘her couch’ with him in between playing tug of war in the backyard," a representative told PEOPLE. The new family also shared that "it’s like he has been living with them since forever." His story comes amid a growing trend in pet surrenders, particularly in Maricopa County. AHS says it has taken in more than 22,000 sick, injured, and abandoned animals this year, the highest number in a decade.

"Our field team has seen an increase in the number of calls that they're responding to, not just cruelty calls, but also calls of pets that are in need. And there's also been an increase in calls from pet owners who are looking to find resources," Kelsey Dickerson, spokesperson for AHS, told 12 News. Dickerson explained that the rise is tied to a combination of housing instability, inflation, medical emergencies, and fallout from the pandemic. Missed veterinary appointments, job loss, and the rising cost of living have all made it more difficult for families to keep their pets. "It’s heartbreaking. So many people are struggling to be able to keep their pets in their homes," she added. Armando's story, while hopeful, shows the larger crisis shelters are facing across the country. His new family said his story "really spoke to them," and that Armando fit in right away, but many other animals are still waiting.

According to 2024 data from Shelter Animals Count, around 5.8 million cats and dogs enter animal shelters across the US every year. Of these, approximately 2.9 million dogs are part of that flowAHS is urging families in similar situations to reach out before making the decision to surrender. "If you're starting to maybe get a little bit behind, please reach out to our Pet Resource Center. We have so many absolutely wonderful resources to hopefully be able to keep your pet in their loving home and out of our already overcrowded shelters," Dickerson said.