Shelter Staff In Idaho Heartbroken After Finding A Border Collie Mix Left Tied At Their Door

When staff at a small Idaho shelter arrived for work one morning, they never expected to find a dog waiting for them outside.

What they discovered tied to their donation shed broke their hearts—and kicked off a mission to help one scared pup feel safe again.

Left All Alone Outside A Shelter

When the team at Priest River Animal Rescue in Idaho showed up for work one morning, they were surprised to find a dog tied to their donation shed.

Source: Priest River Animal Rescue

It was a sweet-looking Border Collie mix, but he was clearly scared. He barked and growled, unsure of what was going on.

“Physically, he was healthy, but emotionally he was frightened and confused, which made him snarl and growl at us,” said Barbara Grover, who works with the shelter, to Newsweek.

The staff stayed calm and gentle. Once they earned his trust, they brought him inside and gave him a name—Buddy.

Source: Newsweek

They later reached out to his former owner and were sad to learn that they didn’t want him anymore.

Buddy was placed in isolation for a short time, as the shelter requires, and will be neutered soon.

Ready For A Second Chance

Buddy is slowly starting to settle into his new environment, and the staff is doing everything they can to find him the loving family he deserves.

They believe he’ll do best in a home that keeps him active, gives him lots of love, and helps him forget the tough start he had.

Source: Newsweek

“He is an active, friendly dog who loves to play fetch and is good with children,” Grover shared.

Still, the shelter reminded people that tying up an animal and leaving it behind is not the right way to give up a pet.

It creates stress and danger—not just for the dog, but also for the shelter staff.

Source: Newsweek

As Grover explained, small rescue teams like theirs already face many challenges, and being left to handle animals this way makes their job harder.

Now, all Buddy needs is someone to give him the forever home he’s been waiting for.