Armando, a 4-year-old Labrador retriever mix, has finally found his forever family, but his story began with a heart-wrenching twist.
Left tied up in the parking lot of the Arizona Humane Society’s Sunnyslope Campus with only a heartfelt note, Armando’s journey to a loving home was filled with both sadness and hope. The note, written with evident sorrow, read:
“It is with a heavy heart that we had to result to this, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we had no choice. This is Armando (Mando). He has had his shots but might need them soon. He’s very friendly with dogs and people. He is prone to ear infections. We pray he finds a good home. God bless.”
Provided by the Arizona Humane Society
Despite the somber circumstances of his arrival, Armando quickly became a favorite at the shelter. Following treatment for a minor ear infection at the AHS trauma hospital, the Labrador retriever mix was deemed healthy and ready for adoption. The Arizona Humane Society described Armando as “understandably…a bit nervous at first, but [he] quickly warms up with pets (and treats) and loves getting attention from his human friends.”
Luckily, Armando didn’t have to wait long for his second chance. His new family welcomed him with open arms, and he’s already made himself at home. “He has been playing nonstop with his new dog sister, and she has even been sharing ‘her couch’ with him in between playing tug of war in the backyard,” a representative from the AHS said. Armando’s new family added that it feels they have always had the pup.
(It’s) like he has been living with them since forever.”
While Armando’s story has a happy ending, it sheds light on a troubling trend. The Arizona Humane Society has seen a sharp increase in pet abandonments due to factors like rising housing costs, evictions, and a lack of affordable pet care. “Because shelters are full, healthy pets needing to be rehomed due to a change in housing or loss of a job have no place to go, which has led to an increase in pet abandonments,” the AHS explained.
Armando was able to get a new family on Christmas eve. Photo by the Arizona Humane Society
“His story really spoke to them, and they said that he’s getting along really well with the pet that is in their home already,” said Kelsey Dickerson, an employee at the AHS. Unfortunately, Armando’s story isn’t uncommon, Dickerson said. AHS shared that with shelters across Maricopa County full, many pets are being abandoned when their owners can no longer take care of them.
“We cared and brought in more than 22,000 pets, which is more than we’ve seen in the last 10 years alone, our field team has seen an increase in the number of calls that they’re responding to, not just cruelty calls, but also calls of pets that are in need. You know, homeless pets are in need of help, and there’s also been an increase of calls of pet owners who are looking to find resources,” Dickerson said. They’re urging prospective pet owners to adopt instead of buying a pet from a breeder or pet store. There are many dogs just like Armando looking for a home, and just as many who need their own ‘Christmas miracle’.
