All alone, tied to a picnic table in Syracuse, New York, a senior dog rested his head on the pavement, trying to sleep. Though the pup couldn’t tell his story, a sheet of paper duct-taped to a post nearby shed some light on his situation.
“I’m a good boy,” the note read. “I’m about 17 years old. My name is Max. My owners can’t take care of me no more. Please help me!”
When area dog advocates heard about Max, they rushed over to help.
“We know this is emotionally draining to look at,” pit bull advocacy group Cuse Pit Crew wrote in a Facebook post. “[S]weet Max was left tied to a picnic bench in Syracuse’s Schiller Park along with this note.”
According to the post, representatives from Cuse Pit Crew eventually arrived on the scene along with members of Syracuse Police and Dog Control. Soon, Max was safe at a local emergency vet. Once cleared, Max moved to HumaneCNY for further care and housing.
The skinny pup gratefully ate all his meals. As the days went by, his emaciated frame began filling out and the light returned to his big brown eyes.
Rescue volunteers enjoyed learning more about Max’s personality.
“He loves to run around,” Max’s foster parent wrote in a Facebook post. “His vision and hearing aren’t the best, but his nose works 110% … He can smell food or treats a mile away. He loves to go for walks and spend time with people. He isn’t a huge fan of the car but can manage short trips.”
Now that he’s strong enough, Max is searching for his new family.
“Max will need a home with someone who understands senior dogs with limited vision and hearing,” HumaneCNY executive director Maureen Davison told The Dodo.
Davison is hopeful that this senior boy won’t be waiting too much longer.
“He truly is a goofy boy who has a lot of love to give,” she said.