Homeless Woman Abandons Dog, Leaves Heartbreaking Note

HARWINTON, CT — "I am aggressive only because I am scared," a handwritten note found on a recently abandoned dog's crate read when he was located by animal control officers. The note also indicated that the animal was nonetheless loved by his owner, who had recently gone homeless.

"My human went homeless [and] found out they have a disease [and] cannot care for me," the note read. "Please don't judge them."

According to Harwinton Animal Control Officer Tom Mitchell, the dog was left outside Litchfield Hills Veterinary Animal Hospital underneath a shaded tree. The facility was alerted of the animal's presence after the unidentified owner called the facility to tell them what she had done. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Mitchell said that while abandoning animals is nothing new, this particular case is rather unique.

“Usually abandoned dogs are left on the side of the road or tied to a tree," Mitchell said in an interview with Patch, "not usually with a letter or a call right after.”

Harwinton First Selectman Michael Criss echoed Mitchell's sentiment and said the town has never had an owner take responsibility for forfeiting their animal.

According to the note, the dog's name is "Fatty McFat," whom Mitchell simply referred to as Fatty. The note also indicates the owner had tried to change the dog's name legally, but "no one cared."

Before being abandoned, Fatty had been living with his owner in a car for two months. Mitchell said the animal has a history of fear aggression to people other than the owner, something he attributes to temperament issues.

According to Mitchell, the owner had been driving by the animal hospital and had an overwhelming feeling the dog would be safe if she left him there.

“The dog had a history of bites so [the owner] was not able to find a place for him," Mitchell said. "She felt like she was getting doors slammed in her face and was at the end of her rope.”

While the owner who abandoned him still owns the dog, Criss said the animal will reside in the care of the Simon Foundation, which provides assistance in these types of situations.

“With the owner not having a home or anything at the moment, the dog will be placed with the Simon Foundation who has agreed to take the dog free of charge," Criss said in an interview with Patch, "and they do this regularly. It’s a foundation we have worked with in the past. They actually will take dogs in crisis situations like this.”

Mitchell said what Fatty mainly needs right now is behavioral management, including being neutered, with which the town is going to try to help the owner.

According to Mitchell, a lack of socialization typically leads to dogs having temperament issues. He also said nobody has gotten bit or injured as a result of the animal.

“He is in a safe location where nobody can get injured by interacting with him," Mitchell said.

In light of this situation, Criss emphasized the need for people to educate themselves on what to do if they feel they are out of options when it comes to caring for their pets.

“In this tough economy, this situation is not uncommon unfortunately," Criss said, "however it is never a solution to abandon an animal. It’s like abandoning your child at the mall; you wouldn’t do that, so why would you abandon your animal?”

Criss suggested finding a home or temporary housing for an animal is key for a struggling owner as they attempt to get back on their feet. Should this fail, Criss said there are still many options.

“I think the main thing the owner learned out of this whole thing is that there are other options," Criss said, "and that you should never ever abandon your animal without notifying someone and talking with them, telling them and explaining your situation. If you get a door slammed in your face, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call your local animal control officers or the surrounding town animal control officers to see if they can provide the necessary services to help."

Anyone who would like to donate to the Simon Foundation can do so at its website.

Images courtesy Michael Criss