Hearts Break for Sweet Dog, 19, Abandoned in the Cold Rain—'Deserve Better'

A rescue center has warned that dumping animals is "never the answer" after an elderly dog was found trembling and alone at the end of its driveway.

SAINTS Rescue in British Columbia, Canada, found the frightened Rocco, thought to be aged 19, at the crack of dawn as the rain poured on a freezing cold morning.

Suspected to be a Chihuahua and Yorkshire terrier mix, Rocco was found in a crate and wearing two sweaters—a glimmer of hope that someone cared, said the rescue center—but he was terrified.

"If we didn't spot him straight away, he could have been in the rain and cold for hours," animal sanctuary manager Nathan Wagstaffe told Newsweek.

"We understand that people can feel desperate and overwhelmed, but abandoning animals is never the answer. They deserve better," the team wrote in a Facebook post.

While Rocco is now safe, the rescue center shared the story to spread the message that it would always rather talk to someone who is giving up an animal.

"Dumping animals is not safe, unfair to the animal, and the shelter," said Wagstaffe. "If they would have reached out, we could have taken him—which we did anyway—or helped find resources to assist him."

Each year 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet 'Shelter Watch Report' found. Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, through spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

The rescue suspected that Rocco's owner had passed away, and that the daughter of the owner dropped Rocco off.

"He will stay with Saints as he is currently visiting our vet to give an overall heath check, so then we can deal with any health issues ongoing," Wagstaffe explained. "If he is suitable, we may place him up for foster or adoption, or he may live out the remainder of his life with us here. It depends on what his needs are and how best we can help him."

SAINTS is an end-of-life sanctuary for senior and special needs animals that have nowhere else to go. They have been caring for these animals since 2004.

Currently with three acres of property, they are looking for funding as they are fast outgrowing their current property. "Realistically we need at least six acres," Wagstaffe explained. "This way we can have enough space for all the animals we have, including barn animals."

Helping to raise awareness, SAINTS shared Rocco's story on its Facebook page and hundreds of people shared their reactions in the comments.

"Dear me, so sad for this little one," said one commenter. While another wrote: "So glad that of all the places he could be abandoned at, it was yours. That's one blessing."

"Oh my goodness what a gorgeous baby! You are safe now little one," said another Facebook user.

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