Dog left at church with 'I'm so sorry' apology note from owner around neck

Cracker, a brindle and white Staffie, was taken in by the RSPCA after he was abandoned at Sacred Heart Church in Blackpool
RSPCA
Rebecca Speare-Cole2 January 2020

A dog was found tied up by a church altar with a heartbreaking note from his former owner that said: "I love you and I'm so so so sorry."

The brindle and white Staffie, now named Cracker, was taken in by the RSPCA after he was abandoned at Sacred Heart Church in Blackpool.

A handwritten note left with him said: "Life has taken a really bad turn for me and I couldn't imagine him being outside with me cold and hungry."

The RSPCA said Cracker is doing well and "getting lots of TLC".

Staff in the church, which is open 24 hours a day for worshippers, discovered the dog when they arrived in the morning on December 18.

Cracker was found by the altar at the Sacred Heart Church in Blackpool.
GoogleMaps

The letter found next to him said: "Please believe me when I say I haven’t done this easily.

"My dog means the world to me and I don’t know what else to do," it continued. "I've no home or money now for him."

It also said he was a "placid, friendly and loving dog" who would turn seven years-old on March 20.

RSPCA inspector Will Lamping, who was called to the church after the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was discovered, said he first took him for a check-up at a local vet.

Cracker is now being cared for at a private boarding kennels nearby.

Mr Lamping said: "It’s so sad to read the note and see how much Cracker’s previous owner loved him.

"Unfortunately sometimes life can throw some pretty tough things at people and circumstances can drastically change but it’s heartbreaking to think that someone out there is missing Cracker and wondering how he is doing.

“I’d really like to reassure them that he’s doing well and is getting lots of TLC."

Mr Lamping said that if no-one claims him then he will be taken to an RSPCA rehoming centre where the charity will find him a "wonderful new home."

“If anyone does come forward then I’d like to let them know that they won’t be in any trouble and we’d like to chat to them and see how we might be able to help them, and Cracker,” he said.

This winter the charity expects to take in more than 10,000 animals in need across England and Wales.

Mr Lamping reminded pet owners who are struggling to cope that charities like the RSPCA can offer support.

"If you’re having difficulties with finances, housing or find yourself homeless then there are people who can help you," he said.

"We are not here to judge you and simply want the best for you and your animals.”

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