When staff at the Harris County Animal Shelter in Houston, Texas, returned after Memorial Day weekend, they found a heartbreaking surprise waiting for them in the parking lot.
Inside an abandoned crate sat a terrified young poodle, his fur so matted and dirty that he could barely move.
“Lee was matted and covered in urine when he arrived,” Kerry McKeel, the shelter’s media specialist, told The Dodo. “He was very unsure and nervous.”
Next to him was a note, hastily scribbled on lined paper, from the person who had left him behind.
“Can you please take care of my dog?” it read. “He’s a great puppy, I just couldn’t afford to keep him. His name is Lee. He will listen, he will bark, and will not bite. Please don’t put him down — I love him, but can’t afford to keep him. I haven’t shaved him yet, I apologize, but please care for him and find him a home. Thanks.”
It was clear Lee had once been deeply loved, but financial hardship had forced his family to say goodbye in the only way they felt they could.
When Lee first arrived inside the shelter, he was nervous and withdrawn. “He was matted and covered in urine when he came in,” Kerry McKeel, the shelter’s media specialist, told The Dodo. “He was very unsure and nervous.”
Sadly, Lee wasn’t alone — he was one of more than 200 animals surrendered or abandoned over the holiday weekend. The shelter, built to house 150 pets, was struggling to care for over 375. Many kennels meant for one or two animals now held three or four.
While the reason for the sudden influx is unclear, McKeel suspects financial strain — worsened by Hurricane Harvey’s lasting impact — played a major role.
That’s why the shelter urges struggling families to reach out before surrendering their pets, offering food, veterinary vouchers and other resources to help keep animals with their loved ones whenever possible.
Fortunately, Lee’s story began to brighten. After a badly needed grooming session, the timid pup transformed into a happy, confident dog with a constant smile.
His playful side quickly came out, and everyone could finally see his true personality.
“Lee is an affectionate, very smart and spunky pup,” McKeel said. “He knows how to sit and play fetch. He certainly went from bow to wow.”
McKeel herself stepped up to foster Lee, giving him a safe place to land while he waited for his forever home. She quickly discovered his love for Puppuccinos during a Starbucks run and fell for his cheerful, goofy spirit.
Now, with two families already interested in adopting him, Lee’s future looks brighter than ever. His story is a reminder that even in moments of heartbreak, hope can follow.
And for the hundreds of other animals still waiting inside the Harris County Animal Shelter, Lee’s happy ending is proof that new beginnings are always possible.
To help the animals of Harris County Animal Shelter, you can sign up to foster or adopt. You can also make a donation of pet supplies to the animal in need.
