When staff members at Bloomfield Animal Shelter (BAS) in New Jersey arrived one morning, they were shocked to discover two abandoned dogs tied to the gate.
The dogs gazed at their rescuers with heartbreaking, sorrowful eyes, reflecting the pain of being left behind.
As the team hurried to comfort the distressed pups, they noticed a note left beside them, a silent reminder of the betrayal the dogs had just endured.
The Dogs’ Story
Source: The Bloomfield Animal Shelter NJ
The shelter staff’s hearts broke as they read the note left by the dogs’ owner:
“Hi. I am sorry, but my babies deserve to live their golden years happy and in a good, warm home for the winter. I can’t take care of them while living on the street. Our home was foreclosed on, putting us out in the street.”
The heartfelt plea continued, asking the shelter not to euthanize the dogs and to keep them together.
Source: The Bloomfield Animal Shelter
As the rescuers read further, they learned that the dogs were named Shadow and Tiger—brothers born on October 12th, 2009.
The note lovingly described the pair as friendly with other pets and deeply affectionate toward humans, highlighting their gentle and loving nature despite their heartbreaking circumstances.
Source: Christine Biggiani Bakelaar
The rescuers were overwhelmed with despair, as the shelter had no space for the abandoned dogs.
Determined to help Shadow and Tiger, they posted a plea for help on social media, hoping to find a foster home for the brothers.
Thankfully, Scooby-Doo’s Rescue Mission (SDRM), an animal rescue based in Lincoln Park, New Jersey, stepped up and offered to take the siblings in, giving them a chance at a brighter future.
Siblings Start Smiling Again
Source: Christine Biggiani Bakelaar
Christine Biggiani Bakelaar, the owner of Scooby-Doo’s Rescue Mission, rushed to the shelter to bring Shadow and Tiger to safety.
The moment she saw their photos and the sorrow in their eyes, the sweet pups had already stolen her heart.
When Bakelaar arrived to pick them up, Shadow and Tiger seemed to sense that their lives were about to change. Their faces lit up with smiles, as if they knew they would never be left alone again.
After rereading the note left by their previous owner, Bakelaar was stunned to discover that she shared a birthday with Shadow and Tiger. This unexpected connection convinced her that the brothers were meant to cross her path.
Bakelaar quickly found a loving foster home for the pair on a peaceful farm, where the brokenhearted brothers could finally begin to heal.
Once settled in with their foster family, Shadow and Tiger were given the time and care they needed to decompress and adjust to their new, safe surroundings.
Soaking Up Their Foster’s Love
Source: Christine Biggiani Bakelaar
As their loving foster family showered them with affection and care, Shadow and Tiger began to realize they were finally safe. They embraced all the love they were given, slowly letting go of their sadness.
The New Jersey rescue team hopes to reconnect with the dogs’ previous owner to learn more about their medical history and provide updates on their well-being.
Christine Biggiani Bakelaar felt a deep sadness for the difficult situation the owner faced. She wished to reassure them that Shadow and Tiger were safe, loved, and still together.
Source: Christine Biggiani Bakelaar
“If anyone on here sees this and knows the people, please have them reach out to me. No questions asked, other than I want to know more about them, and I truly [want to] let them know that their boys are OK. I promise never to separate them. I want them to visit them. Or at least allow me to send them updates…” the rescuer wrote in a Facebook comment.
The rescue team patiently waits, hoping the former owner will contact them.
If the owner doesn’t come forward, Shadow and Tiger will begin a new chapter in their lives, searching for a loving forever home.