Dog found abandoned at Blackpool church to be reunited with owner

Last week we brought you some sad news about a dog found abandoned in a church alongside a heartbreaking note.

The Staffie cross was found tied up in Sacred Heart Church in Blackpool on December 18th, with a message from his owner saying she’d given her beloved dog up as she was too poor to look after him.

Well there’s now been a happy ending to the story, as dog and owner are to be reunited.

RSPCA

The seven-year-old pooch, called Rooney, is to be returned to his owner Alison, the BBC reports. Rooney is currently being looked after by the Street Paws charity until Alison is ready to have him back home.

He was originally found with a heartbreaking note that read: “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. I’ve no home or money now for him. 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. He has got quite tender front paws, I’ve been treating them for about a month now but they are still sore. 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”

Gerald England / Geograph

The dog – who was nicknamed Cracker when he was found in the church – was collected by RSPCA inspector Will Lamping, who has now said the publicity around the dog’s discovery led to the owner being found.

He added: “We’re so pleased that Cracker – who is actually named Rooney – will be going back to his owner once she’s back on her feet”.

Street Paws founder Michelle Southern said Rooney’s owner ‘loves him very much’, and that she was relieved that the dog’s been returned to her.

Michelle added: “Rooney’s story has really touched the hearts of the nation, but sadly it’s not uncommon. People who have no home are forced to make heartbreaking decisions to give up their pets as they have no other choice.”

Finally some good news! We wish Rooney and Alison all the best for the future.