Arizona dog found with heartbreaking note from family looks for forever home

PHOENIX - A four-year-old lab mix was found with a heartbreaking note from his family, who said they "had no choice" but to leave him at an Arizona Humane shelter in Phoenix.

On Dec. 15, the dog named Armando was found tied up in the shelter's Sunnyslope campus parking lot after he was abandoned with a note.

The note read, "It is with heavy heart that we had to result to this but due to unforeseen circumstances we had no choice. This is Armando (Mando). He is four-years-old, Husky Labrodor Mix. He has had his shots but might need them soon. He’s very friendly with dogs and people. He is prone to ear infections. We pray he finds a good home. God bless."

Photo from the Arizona Humane Society

Arizona Humane says his story highlights Maricopa County's animal welfare crisis, saying it's at an all-time high.

"AHS cared for more than 22,000 sick, injured and abused pets in 2024, the most in a decade. With population growth, rising home prices, evictions and a shortage of affordable pet care, more pet owners in our community have been faced with the often gut-wrenching decision to rehome a pet. Because shelters are full, healthy pets needing to be rehomed due to a change in housing or loss of a job have no place to go, which has led to an increase in pet abandonment," AHS said.

Now, Armando is looking for a forever home. He's been treated for an ear infection, but otherwise is healthy.

Armando. Photo from the Arizona Humane Society

"Understandably, this sweet pup can be a bit nervous at first but quickly warms up with pets (and treats) and loves getting attention from his human friends," AHS said.

AHS is running a $0 Big Dog Adoption Special for all pups over 50 pounds.

If you'd like to learn more about Armando, or any other animals who need homes, click here. Armando's ID is A798141.

If you're ever looking for resources to care for your pets, you can visit azhumane.org/resources.