A four-year-old lab mix was discovered with a tragic message from his family, which stated that they “had no choice” except to abandon him at an Arizona Humane shelter in Phoenix.
On December 15, a dog named Armando was discovered tied up in the shelter’s Sunnyslope campus parking lot after being abandoned with a message.
The note stated, “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.”
Arizona Humane claims his story shows Maricopa County’s animal welfare crisis, which is 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.
Armando is currently looking for a forever home. He has been treated for an ear infection but is generally healthy.
“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 informed us.
AHS is offering a $0 Big Dog Adoption Special for puppies weighing more than 50 pounds.
