When the team at Cuse Pit Crew (CPC) , a nonprofit based in Syracuse, New York, arrived at work one morning, they had no idea the day would bring such an emotional discovery.
Word had spread that a senior dog named Max had been found tied to a picnic table in a local park. The thought of him sitting there alone, confused, and waiting for help was almost too much to bear.
In partnership with Syracuse Police and Dog Control, the CPC team rushed to the park, determined to give this gentle old boy the care and comfort he needed.
A Devastating Discovery
As a group that advocates for responsible Pit Bull ownership, the CPC volunteers were deeply affected by what they saw. Max sat quietly near the table, appearing both heartbroken and exhausted. Thankfully, help had arrived just in time.
“This morning, sweet Max was left tied to a picnic bench in Syracuse’s Schiller Park along with this note. We met Syracuse Police and Dog Control there, who then got pictures and transported Max to the emergency vet for care,” the Cuse Pit Crew wrote on Facebook.
Before they could take Max away, they noticed a handwritten note taped to a nearby pole. It revealed the reason for his abandonment.
The message read: “I’m a good boy. I am 17 years old. My name is Max. My owners can’t take care of me no more. Please help me!”
After freeing Max, the team worked with authorities to secure a safe place for him to rest. They also used this heartbreaking situation to remind the public that there are alternatives to abandonment.
“Max is not the first, nor will he be the last dog abandoned in a park. We believe this could’ve been avoided if more people are aware of our services. We are not a rescue, BUT we will help problem solve with you to the best of our ability. We’ll do it without judgment because we want pet owners to feel safe coming to us for help,” the group shared.
Hope For A Better Tomorrow
Soon after, CPC provided an update that brought relief to everyone following Max’s story. After receiving a medical evaluation, he was taken in by the compassionate team at HumaneCNY, who placed him in a loving foster home.
Max is now being treated for arthritis, as well as ear and eye infections. Despite his age and difficult past, he is doing remarkably well and adjusting beautifully to his new environment.
Since he arrived underweight, his foster family is focusing on giving him nutritious meals to help him regain strength and energy.
With steady care and love, Max is on the path to recovery. Once he’s fully healed, he’ll be ready to move into a forever home where he’ll be loved and appreciated for the rest of his life.
Good luck, Max. Your hardest days are behind you, and your happiest ones are still to come.