One day, a family in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania packed up their things and moved away. But they left something very important behind: a sweet brown dog. The dog continued to sleep on the porch, just outside the home he knew. His family never returned for him. Still, he waited.

Janine Guido, founder of nearby Speranza Animal Rescue (“Speranza” means “hope” in Italian,) received several calls from neighbors about a dog left behind. No one knew much more outside of that, she told The Dodo.

“All I was told was that his owners moved out and left him behind. I asked multiple other people if they knew anything about the dog and they just said, ‘They moved out.’”

@SperanzaAnimalRescue/Facebook

Guido arrived at the house and attempted to approach the dog, Cupid. The pup had been eating out of the dumpster. When he saw her, Cupid ran back to scratch at the door, hoping to be let inside.

@SperanzaAnimalRescue/Facebook

After about half an hour of chasing the pup through alleyways, attempting to feed him, Guido had an idea. She began offering the dog words of comfort. Somehow, she felt he understood that she came to help.

“It sounds dumb but I swear he knew what I was saying to him. He literally came over and sat down and allowed me to leash him.”

Guido retold the story of how she came to help Cupid via a caption on the heartbreaking photos shared on Speranza’s Facebook. The words served as a letter to Cupid’s former family.

“I cried as I put your dog into my car. And even though I probably sounded crazy I explained to your dog what was going on the whole ride home. Im so sorry you were let down. But I hope you realize we are here to help. And you will never be left alone again.”

According to an update, the rescue has received over 50 applications for Cupid. He still needs to be neutered and settled a bit more before he’s ready for adoption, but there’s a lot of interest. Clearly he’s a loyal, sweet boy!

@SperanzaAnimalRescue/Facebook

Resources For Rehoming Your Dog

If you or someone you know needs to rehome a dog for any reason, consider your many options alternative to abandonment.

• The AdoptAPet website helps connect adoptable animals with interested adopters.
• Discover your resources for living with an animal in rental housing.
• Learn more about your local rescues and shelters that can help by entering your zip code here.

Here’s hoping Cupid’s next nap on a porch is by choice!

H/T: The Dodo
Featured Image: @SperanzaAnimalRescue/Facebook