Dog Abandoned at Meijer Taken in By Kent County Animal Shelter

UPDATE 2/21: A happy update to share! Last week we told you about a sweet little black dog that had been abandoned in a Grand Rapids-area Meijer parking lot.

The pup, named Rukey, had a note tied to her collar asking for help.

👇ORIGINAL STORY BELOW👇

Thankfully some kind folks found her and brought her to the Kent County Animal Shelter.

The shelter shared to Facebook:

Update: Rukey received a clean bill of health from our shelter veterinarian and was made available for adoption. Shortly after opening today, a wonderful family met Rukey and their hearts were filled with love. She is off to her new home, bringing joy to her new family! Thank you to everyone who followed this story.

Please remember to choose kindness.

Incredible work by the shelter, those who found Rukey, and her new family.

If you are thinking of adopting, check out KCAS' adoptable animals here.

ORIGINAL STORY 2/16: It's absolutely heartbreaking to think about what led a person to leave their dog in a parking lot with a note tied to her collar asking for help.

A small black dog was recently found wandering alone around local Meijer parking lot.

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Thankfully a group of kind people found the sweet pup and brought her to Kent County Animal Shelter.

Kent County Animal Shelter via Facebook

The shelter shared the story to Facebook, saying the pup had a note tied to her collar that said, "My name is Rukey. Please help me. Take me home."

Kent County Animal Shelter via Facebook

She's now safe and getting the care she needs at Kent County Animal Shelter.

The shelter has responded with such grace and kindness it warms my heart!

Director of KCAS Angela Hollinshead writes on social media:

To the person who had to make the heartbreaking decision to let her go - please know that Rukey is safe and deeply loved by our staff. Her gentle personality has already won our hearts, and we will ensure she is cared for and finds a wonderful, loving family. We can only imagine how difficult this choice was for you, and we sincerely hope you find brighter days ahead. We also want you, and our Kent County community, to know that help is available. If you're struggling to feed yourself or your pet, please reach out. We can assist with food, connect you to social services, and help facilitate other resources as needed.

What a good reminder that you never know what another person is going through and it's good to keep an open mind and heart.

Pet owners who are struggling can find resources here.

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Keep an eye on the shelter's Facebook page for updates on Rukey!

The Kent County Animal Shelter has temporarily relocated to 2055 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, as their facility on Fuller Ave. undergoes renovations. With reduced capacity at the temporary location, they need our help more than ever!

Do you know of anyone who's lost a dog? The shelter recently shared they took in 20 strays in one day - find out more here.