In Bridgend, South Wales, a tiny, trembling dog was hiding deep in the brush — alone, frightened and unsure where to go after losing his family. He darted through the streets hoping someone might notice him.
Thankfully, three cyclists did. A flash of brown-and-white fur caught their attention, and they immediately veered off course to help the abandoned pup. They gently coaxed him out of the undergrowth and brought him straight to Hope Rescue.
At the shelter, staff quickly realized the dog was wearing a collar — and taped to it was a handwritten note, sealed inside a small plastic bag.
Sadly, deliberate abandonment is something Hope Rescue has been seeing more and more. Notes, however, are still rare.
“Chase arrived during the busiest month in our 19-year history, with 157 dogs coming through our doors in August alone,” Sara Rosser, head of operations at Hope Rescue, told The Dodo. “His arrival hit us hard — it was heartbreaking to see him so scared. While we understand owners can become desperate, abandoning Chase like that left him in real danger. We’re just so grateful he was found.”
When staff removed the note from its plastic covering, they read the words that made everyone’s hearts sink:
“My name is Chase. I am 1 year old November 10. I am very friendly and kind, good with kids. I need a new home as my owner cannot take care of me. Please help me. Thank you.”
Even in the safety of the shelter, Chase was overwhelmed. He shut down completely — refusing to eat, refusing to move and too frightened to interact with anyone.
“The staff worked hard to earn his trust,” Rosser said. “They found him a couple of gentle dog friends, which really helped.”
Soon an experienced foster family stepped forward. With support from the rescue, Chase moved into their home, where two confident resident dogs became his guides. Little by little, Chase began to unfold — paddling in the water, learning routines and curling up beside his new canine friends at night.
Chase is still gaining confidence, but every day he grows a little braver. And as he settles into his foster home, it’s becoming clear he may have found exactly where he belongs.
“Chase’s future is looking bright,” Rosser said. “After the trauma of being abandoned, he’s found a family who truly understands him — and who can help him blossom into the happy dog he deserves to be.”
To support dogs like Chase on their way to loving homes, you can donate to Hope Rescue.
