Bringing a dog into your life is a joyful moment. But what many don’t think about is what might happen if that dog becomes seriously ill.
While some health issues are small and treatable, others are more complex—and expensive. Sadly, not every dog owner can afford the care their pet needs. In those moments, they’re often left with painful decisions.
This is one of those heartbreaking stories.
A Note That Said It All
It was a typical morning at the Greenville Humane Society until a staff member spotted something unexpected.
Tied outside the shelter was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix, left alone during the night. Alongside her was a handwritten note.
The message read: My sister could not take care of her the way she needed to be. She has illnesses I don’t believe are fixable. She needs to be put down as soon as possible.
The dog, named Remy, was suffering from a serious and rare heart condition. Her owner could no longer keep up with her medical needs and, not knowing what else to do, left her at the shelter in the hope someone else might help.
According to WYFF, a local news station that covered the story, Remy was found the following Sunday morning.
Rachel Dalport of the Greenville Humane Society shared with WYFF: It was someone who truly wanted the best for her, and just didn’t know what to do.
She didn’t believe the act was rooted in cruelty, just desperation.
Getting A Second Chance At Life
After taking Remy in, shelter staff diagnosed her with a grade-six heart murmur and a skin condition caused by malnutrition.
The Greenville Humane Society said: This serious condition will require an echocardiogram, at minimum. Depending on what is found during the procedure, Remy may require surgery or a lifelong medication regimen.
To help fund Remy’s care, as well as the care of other abandoned animals in need, the Greenville Humane Society turned to their Hope Fund.
In a Facebook statement, they said: We’ve had more sick and injured animals in our care recently than we have the funds for. We know shelters everywhere are in the same predicament.
After further evaluation, the team determined that Remy’s condition was due to B1 degenerative valve disease. While serious, it meant she likely wouldn’t need surgery.
Though she isn’t fully in the clear, her future is looking brighter. She now receives regular medication for both her heart and skin, and is being monitored closely.
It’s not yet known whether Remy has found a new family, but one thing is certain: she’s surrounded by people who care.
The team at the Greenville Humane Society continues to advocate for her health and happiness. They believe in her strength and they’re doing everything they can to make sure she gets the life she deserves.