An adorable dog was abandoned by his owner after 10 years because 'he hasn't learnt to be good'.
The dog was tied up outside Jasmil Kennels and Cattery in Sittingbourne, Kent, and given food, water and a bed until they could get in touch with his owner.
However, as the dog didn't have a microchip, the animal rescue centre was forced to rely on information shared following a Facebook appeal.
A statement from Swale Borough Council Stray Dog Service read: "We would very much like to speak to the owner to establish why the dog has been abandoned.
"If you recognise him and can be of any assistance, please contact the council in confidence or message this page.
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"He will now be taken into our care."
The elderly dog was abandoned with a heartbreaking note, which read: "Hello. Please can you take me in as my owner has abandoned me after 10 years because I have not learnt to be good.
"I have been returned here where he found me. I thank you for looking after me. Sorry for the inconvenience."
Following an investigation by the stray dog service, the team managed to get in touch with the owner who explained his situation to them.
The statement adds: "Having fully investigated the elderly dog left abandoned, we were able to get in contact with his owner, and all is not what it first seemed..
"We are now taking appropriate action based on the situation and circumstances.
"We have also been in contact with members of the owner's extended family, who know and love the dog.
"They had no knowledge of the owner's plan and have asked to take the dog on so that it can live out the latter part of its life in a safe, secure home, with people it knows.
"If home checks and the dog's reaction to them are positive, this is the kindest way forward for the dog's welfare."
Swale Borough Council Stray Dog Service has confirmed to The Mirror that the dog has been living with the owner's family following its abandonment.
It comes as the RSPCA urged people to contact their local dog warden rather than the animal charity when they come across a stray dog in their neighbourhood, as they don't have the resources to help healthy strays.
RSPCA chief inspectorate officer Dermot Murphy said: "We prioritise rescuing neglected and abused animals and we simply don’t have the resources to come out to help with healthy stray dogs.
"As we enter our busiest season, we’re urging the public not to call us about healthy stray dogs as it could block our phone lines and prevent an emergency call from getting through.
"Local authorities must provide a dog warden service and it’s paid for by your taxes so we’d urge you to contact them should you find a loose dog in your area."
If you believe a dog is sick, injured, or in imminent danger, please contact the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999 (phone lines open 8am-8pm daily).
For more information, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/straydogs.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
