This story was originally published by Chattanooga Times Free Press.
When a Chattanooga resident found a fluffy great Pyrenees and German shepherd mix wandering Chattanooga with a leash and a note attached to its collar, it was apparent that the dog was not just any stray.
“Please love me,” the note said. “My mom can’t keep me and is homeless with two kids. She tried her best but can’t get help. I cost too much for her. She really loves me and I’m a great dog and love to be loved on. Please don’t abuse me.”
The note said the dog’s name is Lilo and requested that her name not be changed. In Hawaiian, Lilo means to be lost, separated from, or passed into the possession of another.
Credit: McKamey Animal Shelter/Facebook
Credit: McKamey Animal Shelter/Facebook
The person who found Lilo brought her to McKamey Animal Center, and staff took to social media to find the dog’s owner.
“It was so clear to us that Lilo was well-loved and cared for,” McKamey Director of Advancement Lauren Mann said by email. “The note attached to her collar proved that this was an act of desperation and not something that wanted to be done.”
Lilo’s owner called the shelter after a friend of hers saw McKamey’s post on Facebook, and soon she was tearfully reunite for a shelter visit with the beloved pet she gave up because she felt she had no other option.
McKamey staff members are working with local agencies to help the woman find a home so she can permanently reunite with Lilo, Mann said.
About 10% of people experiencing homelessness have a pet, and 1 in 5 of them don’t accept shelter because their pet can’t join them, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless.
Lilo is living at McKamey until her family finds shelter where pets are welcome.
“We will provide all resources necessary to get them set back up for success when Lilo goes home with them,” Mann said.
While Lilo is receiving more attention than most pets surrendered by owners who cannot take care of them, the situation is not uncommon.
“As inflation continues to rise, people are definitely struggling to provide for their families, pets included,” Mann said.
The cost of basic food and monthly vet care for a large-breed dog like Lilo could range from $55-$300 a month, she said.
Lilo came to McKamey as a stray, so the shelter was legally required to take her in, but owners who want or need to surrender their animals must make an appointment and join a waitlist of nearly 400 animals.
“We are encouraging those who are seeking to rehome their pet to try to do so on their own before turning to us,” said Mann, adding that the shelter is over its humane capacity. “We refer all people who are looking to rehome their pet to our website and encourage them to call us for assistance and help navigate their situations. Many times, people are just unaware of the resources we offer.”
She said McKamey provides low-cost weekly vaccine and microchip clinics, low-cost spay and neuter surgeries and a pet food pantry to residents in its service area comprising the cities of Chattanooga, Red Bank and Lakesite.
Credit: Chattanooga Times Free Press
Credit: Chattanooga Times Free Press
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