Genie was surrendered after her owner realized she could not be cared for properly

TAMPA, FLA. — A dog owner in Florida, faced with mounting vet bills, took an extreme step to make sure the pet could still be cared for in the future.

The owner dropped off the partially paralyzed dog at a Tampa area shelter before it opened.

The dog was found in a crate by a Humane Society employee when he showed up for work (last) Monday morning.

“As soon as I saw the crate, the first thing I said, ‘Oh I know what this is. Someone was surrendering a dog.”

Lon Savini also discovered a note with the dog, whose name is Genie.

“I opened the note up, and I immediately started crying,” Savini said. “It just broke my heart.”

The owner feared they’d have to pay for an expensive surgery for Genie, who doesn’t have the use of her back legs.

“‘I asked that the animal health center heal her and find her a loving home forever, thank you,'” Savini said. “That’s what got me yesterday. I completely lost it when I read that.”

Veterinarians at the Humane Society have been caring for Genie since she arrived.

“We are going to continue treating her with medication and start some therapy to see if this could be a temporary paralysis,” said Nash McCutchen with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

It’s believed Genie is a 2-year-old mix, who came from a loving home.

“We will probably never know the circumstances of how she ended up with us, but I do believe that person loved her enough to give her up in hopes of helping her,” said Pam Backer with the Humane Society.

The challenge now is to find Genie a new place to call home.

“Yes, it can be difficult, but there are people out there who are experienced in this,” McCutchen said. “Who have place in their hearts for a special needs animal and so we feel confident that will be able to find her a loving home.”

The Humane Society says they’re still evaluating Genie’s condition and determining her needs, so it’ll still be a few more weeks before she’ll be available for adoption.

If you’re interested in following Genie’s progress, follow this blog.

Source: WTHR