Dog Found With Heartbreaking Note in Park Sparks Rescue Effort
Amid January’s biting cold in Atlanta, one dog’s silent cry for help turned into a story that touched thousands. Wrapped in the chill of a snowstorm, a pitbull-boxer mix named Andre was spotted sitting alone in a local park, wearing not just a collar—but a message that pierced the heart of anyone who read it.
The note hanging from Andre’s neck wasn’t scribbled in haste. It read: “My dad is homeless and no one will take me. He’s heartbroken and has nowhere left to go. I’m a very good dog. Please show me love.”
That piece of paper held years of loyalty, a bond tested by misfortune, and a desperate hope for kindness.
Atlanta attorney Tara Borelli first came across Andre’s photo through a Facebook post. The weather was unforgiving, but so was the thought of a good dog freezing in a park. She didn’t wait. Despite the snow, she drove nearly 10 miles to find Andre and brought him home, offering warmth, food, and—most importantly—stability.
“I couldn’t leave him out there, not after reading that note. It wasn’t just about saving a dog—it was about honoring a man’s love for his companion,” Tara shared.
Although Andre settled quickly into her home, her own dog’s health needs meant the arrangement could only be temporary. Still, during those early days, Andre received more than just shelter—he got a sense of safety back.
From the Park to a New Path
Instagram | pattysfosters_atl | Tara’s decision to leave Andre at the Fulton County Animal Shelter gave his story new life.
By early spring, Tara entrusted Andre to the Fulton County Animal Shelter, where his story found fresh momentum. Shelter volunteer Laura Hsiao was struck not just by the situation, but by Andre’s temperament.
“He had this calm, kind energy. You could tell someone loved him deeply,” she said. “This wasn’t just about rescue—it was about giving a second chance that was truly deserved.”
Staff at the shelter noted that Andre was house-trained, gentle with people, and got along with other dogs. His background, though painful, revealed a pet who’d been raised with care—just not with resources.
Social media played a powerful role in giving Andre’s story reach. As people shared his photo and that gut-wrenching note, offers to help poured in. Volunteers, donors, and families started stepping forward, not just for Andre, but for countless other dogs facing similar fates.
Andre’s case resonated more than most because it put a face to abandonment. It wasn’t neglect—it was heartbreak. And that difference mattered.
This wasn’t an isolated case. Similar rescues, like puppies found shivering near a car in sub-zero temperatures, show how quickly communities can rally when they understand the backstory.
A New Chapter Begins
Freepik | To ensure a good match, a local family started fostering Andre in May with a trial month.
By May, a local family came forward to foster Andre, starting with a trial month. It’s a smart approach, giving both the dog and the new home time to adjust before making anything permanent.
Tara, who had cared for Andre in those early weeks, was relieved but realistic. “Of course I’m happy for him, but it’s impossible not to think of all the others still waiting,” she said. “Shelters are full of dogs just like Andre—good dogs with no place to go.”
Andre’s story serves as a reminder that not every abandoned dog is unwanted. Sometimes, they’re deeply loved—but life leaves no other option.
His journey from a snowy park to a hopeful new home proves how a simple act of honesty, a brave note, and a little community help can completely shift a dog’s fate. And while his future now looks brighter, his past won’t be forgotten—it’s what brought people together to give him another chance.