When staff at Bloomfield Animal Shelter (BAS) in New Jersey arrived one morning, they were met with a sight that left them shaken. Two elderly dogs stood quietly at the shelter gate, their eyes filled with sadness and confusion.
It was clear they had just watched their owner walk away. The pain in their expressions was unmistakable.
As the team rushed to comfort the dogs, they noticed both had been tethered to the fence. A folded note had been left behind, resting on top of the crate.
A Written Plea For Mercy And Love
The shelter staff read the letter, and their hearts broke.
“Hi. I am sorry, but my babies deserve to live their golden years happy and in a good, warm home for the winter. I can’t take care of them while living on the street. Our home was foreclosed on, putting us out in the street.”
The note also pleaded with the shelter not to separate the dogs or consider euthanasia. The owner’s final wish was for the two to stay together.
The letter revealed that the pups were brothers born on October 12 and their names were Shadow and Tiger. Their former owner described them as gentle with other animals and affectionate with people.
The shelter team was devastated to realize they had no open space for the senior pair.
Time was critical. They turned to social media, hoping someone would step forward to help Shadow and Tiger.
Soon after, Scooby-Doo’s Rescue Mission (SDRM), located in Lincoln Park, New Jersey, answered the call and offered the dogs a safe haven.
A Rescue Leader Sees A Sign In Their Eyes
Christine Biggiani Bakelaar, who leads SDRM, rushed to Bloomfield to meet the brothers.
The moment she saw their photos and the sorrow in their eyes, she knew she had to act.
When she met Shadow and Tiger in person, their faces lit up with soft smiles, as if they sensed they were no longer alone.
As Bakelaar reread the note, she noticed something that felt like fate. The dogs shared her birthday. To her, it was a sign that their lives were meant to cross paths.
She quickly arranged for them to move into a foster home on a peaceful farm, where they could begin to heal.
A Gentle Place To Recover And Be Loved
Their foster family welcomed them with warmth and care, helping the brothers feel safe again. Shadow and Tiger leaned into the affection, grateful for every moment of comfort.
The rescue team also hopes to reconnect with their former owner to learn more about the dogs’ medical history.
Bakelaar’s heart went out to the person who had been forced to leave them behind. She shared her hope that the owner would reach out, not for judgment, but for reassurance.
She wanted them to know that Shadow and Tiger were safe, loved, and would never be separated.
“If anyone on here sees this and knows the people, please have them reach out to me. No questions asked, other than I want to know more about them, and I truly [want to] let them know that their boys are OK. I promise never to separate them. I want them to visit them. Or at least allow me to send them updates…” the rescuer wrote in a Facebook comment.
The rescue team continues to wait, hoping the former owner will get in touch.
If not, Shadow and Tiger will eventually need a permanent home together.
For now, the senior brothers are thriving in foster care, enjoying the quiet beauty of farm life and the love they’ve been given.