FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — When his owner lost everything and became homeless, a beloved dog was left at a shelter with a note, some treats and a hope that someone else could give him a better life.
“I’m a really good dog. My dad’s heart is broken,” the note read.
The dog, now known as Andre, has been waiting ever since.
Months have passed, and overcrowding at Fulton County Animal Services means his life is once again at risk. The shelter, managed by LifeLine Animal Project, says it is taking in more than 40 animals a day, more than it can safely house.
“We are taking in more than 40 animals a day and simply don’t have space,” said a spokesperson for LifeLine. “Euthanasia is never our first choice, but when there are no open kennels, we are forced to make heartbreaking decisions.”
Crowded shelters across Georgia
Andre’s story is not unique. Shelters across the Southeast are over capacity, with more animals arriving than homes available. Fulton County’s shelter is pleading for help—adopters, fosters and rescues—to prevent more healthy animals from being put down.
Staff describe Andre as gentle, calm and still hopeful. His former owner clearly loved him but felt he had no other choice.
Animal advocates say many shelter animals come from homes where they were loved and are still ready to love someone new.
