Pennsylvania shelter discovers strange box outside in the snow. Then a head peers out with a note

Choosing to give up your pet can be a heartbreaking decision for any pet parent to make. However, when the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) saw a sealed box outside their shelter home, they were in for a bittersweet surprise. Sharing the story on Facebook, the post moved online users to tears on December 10.

"Her name is Tangi..." On a freezing morning, the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) found a sealed box outside their shelter. The nip in the air made them restless, so they couldn't quite believe it when a light-brown dog peeped out of the "taped-up box" which had been sealed. Sharing the story on their Facebook page, they wrote, "When we opened it, scared eyes looked up at us. She was shaking and so stressed that she was hypersalivating, clearly overwhelmed by everything around her." However, as soon as one of them held out their palm, Tangi snuggled into it, desperate for the semblance of comfort on offer here. Despite the condition the four-legged pup was left in, what changed it all was the note that came with her.

The note revealed that Tangi's was being threatened with evicted if they did not "let the dog go." The note read, "I have filled out adoption apps, but nothing has happened. Today was my last day, and my back is against the wall. She has all her shots. Good dog. Her name is Tangi." The SPCA soon took Tangi to run medical tests, behavioral exams, and every other test required, but Tangi needed someone close to her at all points in time. "She followed staff closely, rested her head against anyone who knelt beside her, and cried when she was left alone. All she wanted was to feel safe," they wrote.

The SPCA thanked the person who spotted the box on time and was worried about the canine's safety in the less-than-30-degree weather. "We truly sympathize with the circumstances her previous owner may have been facing, but we also want everyone, including pets, to remain safe," they wrote. SPCA also reminded pet owners to reach out to them if they needed a rescue or shelter for any pets. "If you ever need help with a pet, please reach out to us or any shelter or rescue in the area. And if you must surrender an animal urgently, please come inside and speak with someone," they added. This is crucial since several abandoned pets do not get discovered in time. In such freezing weather, it's important to call ahead, to let the shelter know so they can pick the animal up on time and prevent any mishaps. As of now, Tangi is under the SPCA's protection until an owner comes forward to claim her; otherwise, the canine will be put up for adoption.

A 2019 study by Erin S. Davis examined the psychological impact using qualitative interviews with adults who remembered being forced to give up a dog. The study found that relinquishing a beloved dog created significant emotional distress and cognitive conflict. Choosing between their home and dog must have been devastating to the dog owner, which is reflected in the heartbreaking note penned by Tangi's owner. In the USA alone, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in the year 2024, and of them, 4.2 million found loving homes again. To prevent the circumstances leading to pet abandonment, Katy Hansen, director of communications for Animal Care Centers of NYC, advises, “We prevented almost 3,000 surrenders last year just by offering free food, temporary boarding, or some people just need help with training.”

Soon after the post gained reaction, many users sympathized with the dog owner's choice. @LauraForbess wrote, "I cannot fault the owner except to say she could have called to let them know she was there because she could have frozen." @SusanKempLeibman shared, "Poor Tangi. Her owner must have been so distraught that she or he wasn't thinking clearly. Thankfully, she was found in time. Praying she finds a wonderful new family to love on her." @StephanieSmith wrote, "People should be made to feel safe to come forward to give up pets without judgment, and this wouldn’t happen at least as often."

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