Puppy abandoned outside Tiverton Blue Cross (From This is The West Country)

Puppy abandoned outside Tiverton Blue Cross

5:00pm Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Devon

THE Blue Cross is appealing for pet owners not to dump their animals after a 16-week-old puppy was abandoned outside one of its centres with a note from its heartbroken owner.

The lurcher pup was found outside the gates of the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Tiverton last week with a handwritten note which read: “I’m so sorry for this, her name is Gypsy, 16 weeks old. Wormed and flead, all her jabs. I love you Gypsy, I’m sorry. Please don’t put her down.”

Gypsy was taken in by staff at the centre where she was given a health check and some TLC before new owners quickly snapped her up. Gypsy is just one of many unwanted pets abandoned by their owners. Centre manager Sarah Bussell said: “Gypsy is such a sweet little thing and was clearly well cared for – she was left with food, water and toys.

“But sadly, she is just one of many much-loved animals who have ended up with us when their owners can no longer keep them, often because they can’t afford to look after them anymore.

“We never judge anyone for making the responsible decision to give up an animal, so if you are struggling to care for your pet, please don’t just abandon them.

“Try contacting a charity like Blue Cross that may be able to offer help and advice to keep you and your pet together or find them a happy new home if that is the best option.”

Blue Cross helps thousands of sick, injured and homeless pets every year through its network of rehoming centres and animal hospitals and is funded entirely by public donations.