Dog abandoned in church along with ‘I’m sorry’ note

'Life has taken a really bad turn for me and I couldn’t imagine him being outside with me cold and hungry,' said the note

A six-year-old dog was found abandoned inside a church in Lancashire with a note from his heartbroken owner saying: “I am so so so sorry.”

The brindle and white Staffordshire terrier cross was found tied up next to the altar inside the Sacred Heart Church on Talbot Road on 18 December by church staff.

The RSPCA was alerted and inspector Will Lamping responded to the call. Local newspaper The Citizen first reported the story on Wednesday.

The note, which was anonymous, suggested the owner could not afford to care for his dog any longer and had abandoned him as a last resort.

“My dog means the world to me and I don’t know what else to do. I’ve no home or money now for him,” said the note.

“Life has taken a really bad turn for me and I couldn’t imagine him being outside with me cold and hungry. He is a placid, friendly, loving dog. He will be seven years old on 22 March 2020.”

The owner asked that the dog, who has been nicknamed Cracker, have his paws taken care of as they were “quite tender” and “still sore” despite receiving treatment for a month.

“My heart is broken and I will truly miss him more than words can say.

“I hope he can be found a new home he deserves. I love you and I am so so so sorry xxxx [sic],” the note continued.

Mr Lamping took Cracker to a private boarding kennel nearby to be cared for and reassures the owner that he is “getting lots of TLC”.

“It’s so sad to read the note and see how much Cracker’s previous owner loved him,” he said.

“If you’re struggling to take care of a pet then please reach out to your vet, a local rescue centre or charity, or one of the national charities like the RSPCA.

“And if you’re having difficulties with finances, housing or find yourself homeless then there are people who can help you. Please just ask for help. We are not here to judge you and simply want the best for you and your animals.”

Amy Ockelford, a spokesperson for the RSPCA, told the Independent no one has come forward to claim Cracker and he was moved to a rehoming centre on Thursday.

“The RSPCA receives 1.1 million calls a year to animals in need of help and some of these come from people who are struggling to care for their pets or who need some help, to those who have abandoned their animals because their circumstances have changed.

“Many of our centres and branches offer vouchers for discounted microchipping, neutering, vaccinations, [and more], and our four animal hospitals offer low-cost vet care for people who meet certain criteria,” said Ms Ockelford.

According to Dogs Trust, an estimated 130,000 dogs enter rehoming charities each year in the UK, with behaviour problems cited as the most common reason for giving up a dog.