Key Highlights
- A viral Facebook post shows a dog named Merle watching his owner drive away after being surrendered to a rescue.
- The Great Pyrenees Rescue of Wisconsin is handling the surrender of the 7-year-old Great Pyrenees, known for its protective nature and loyalty.
- Rescue organizations are facing an increase in surrenders from owners who can no longer afford pet care or whose health issues prevent them from keeping their pets.
- The rescue will keep in touch with past owners to inform them once the dog is placed in a new home, aiming to make the transition smoother for both the pet and its original family.
Viral Image Sparks Heartbreak: Dog Watches Owner Drive Away After Surrender
A touching image shared by the Great Pyrenees Rescue of Wisconsin on Facebook has gone viral, bringing heartache to many. The post features a photo of Merle, a 7-year-old Great Pyrenees, watching his owner drive away as he is left at the rescue.
Heartfelt Surrender
The post explains that “Arriving at the rescue today is Merle. This picture is of him watching his mom drive away.” The shelter further shares details about the dog’s
Background
“This friendly fella’s owner passed away a while ago, and while the owner’s wife tried her hardest to keep their boy, her health will no longer allow her to continue. She tearfully surrendered him.” Merle is described as a healthy Great Pyrenees who has been well-cared for throughout his life.
Rescue’s Perspective
Carole Gonsalves from the Great Pyrenees Rescue of Wisconsin, located in Neshkoro, expressed gratitude to those surrendering their pets to the rescue. “We have witnessed a large increase in the number of Great Pyrenees surrendered from loving owners who can either no longer afford the increase in cost to buy food or pay for vetting. Some owners have lost their homes,” she said.
Gonsalves emphasized that while they would love to assist financially, “that is a temporary solution and only seems to drag out the painful departure that is inevitable.” The shelter keeps in touch with past owners, informing them once Merle or any surrendered dog finds a new home. “I am extremely protective of these families as they go out of their way to find us and transport their dog to us,” Gonsalves added.
Public Reaction
The post has garnered significant attention on social media, with many expressing empathy for Merle. “Omg makes me want to cry,” wrote one user named Nell’s Grooming. Another, Alexis Amann, stated, “I hope whoever he ends up with will make it a point to keep in contact with his mom and send her updates.” The post has received over 2,300 likes and 301 comments.
“He looks so confused and devastated,” said Kim Krause. “Heartbreaking for all.”
Rescue Organizations Face Increasing Challenges
The Great Pyrenees Rescue of Wisconsin is not alone in facing these challenges. Other rescue organizations are also seeing an increase in surrenders from loving owners who can no longer afford pet care or whose health issues prevent them from keeping their pets.
Future Implications and Solutions
As the trend continues, experts suggest that education and support for pet owners could help alleviate some of these issues. Providing resources and financial assistance to help pet owners through tough times might reduce the number of surrenders to rescue organizations.
The Great Pyrenees Rescue of Wisconsin remains committed to finding loving homes for dogs like Merle while keeping in touch with their original families, ensuring a smoother transition for all involved.
