Animal shelter reunites homeless mother with abandoned dog, plans to help family

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (KAKE) - An animal shelter in Tennessee has reunited a homeless woman with her abandoned dog and says it is working to help the woman's family.
The McKamey Animal Center said Tuesday that a good Samaritan found the dog, Lilo, a few days before. In its initial Facebook post about the pup, the shelter shared a heartbreaking not left with Lilo.
"My name is Lilo. Please love me. My mom can’t keep me and is homeless with 2 kids. She tried her best but can’t get help," the note said. "I cost too much for her. She really loves me, and I’m a great dog and loved to be loved on. Please don’t abuse me.”
The shelter wanted to reunite Lilo with her owner and offered to help. Then, on Wednesday...
"We have an incredible update about Lilo to share with you all....her owner has been found!" the shelter said.
McKamey shared in its update that it is working to set up the family with a safe haven, shelter and resources to stay together and tackle homelessness.
"We are amazed at the outpouring of support. It truly takes a community, and you all have certainly shown us how powerful ours is - thank you so much."
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A abandoned dog arrived at a Tennessee animal shelter with a heartbreaking note attached to her collar.
The McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga posted photos of the dog, Lilo, and the note on Tuesday.
"My name is Lilo. Please love me. My mom can’t keep me and is homeless with 2 kids. She tried her best but can’t get help. I cost too much for her. She really loves me, and I’m a great dog and loved to be loved on. Please don’t abuse me.”

The shelter said a good Samaritan found Lilo wandering around with her leash still attached a few days prior. The Facebook post expressed regret for the previous owner.
"While we understand what and why Lilo’s mom did what she did, we wish that she had come to us first for resources and help," the post says. "We’re here to help and we want to see people and their pets stay together, no matter the circumstance."
Shelter staff home the owner comes forward to reclaim Lilo and will help the owner provide proper care. But if the owner doesn't come forward, the shelter said it will keep her name and work to find her a new home.