When the team at Cuse Pit Crew (CPC), a nonprofit based in Syracuse, N.Y., arrived at work one summer morning, they never imagined the day would hit them so hard.
News had come in that a senior dog named Max had been left tied to a picnic table in a local park, and the thought of him waiting there alone weighed heavily on their hearts.
In coordination with Syracuse Police and Dog Control, the rescuers headed straight to the park to give this sweet old boy the help he desperately needed.
A Heartbreaking Find
As advocates for responsible Pit Bull ownership, the CPC team was devastated to see Max sitting so quietly, looking lost and dejected, waiting for someone to save him. Fortunately, his life was about to change.
“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 in a Facebook post.
Before they could take Max to safety, they spotted a piece of paper taped to a nearby pole. It explained exactly why he was there.
The note 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 securing Max, CPC worked with local authorities to find him a temporary home where he could finally rest and decompress. They also used the moment to stress that situations like this can often be prevented.
“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,” they added.
A Brighter Chapter Ahead
CPC later shared an update: after undergoing medical evaluations, Max was taken in by the caring team at HumaneCNY, who found him a loving foster home.
He’s now receiving treatment for eye and ear infections, along with arthritis care. Despite his age and the challenges he’s faced, Max is thriving in his new environment.
Since he’s underweight, his foster family is making sure he gets nutritious meals to help him regain his strength.
With time, love, and proper care, Max will grow stronger and healthier. And when he’s ready, he’ll find the forever home he has always deserved — a place where he’ll be cherished for the rest of his days.
Good luck, Max. Your best days are still ahead… I’m sure of it.