11 January 2024 , 14:37
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A sweet little pup was abandoned in an airport bathroom with a devastating note from its owner who was stuck in an abusive relationship and couldn't afford to bring the dog with her on her flight. Another passenger found the lonely three-month-old pooch, named Chewy, soon after coming off their flight and, moved by his story, took him to Connor and Millie's Dog Rescue in Las Vegas for the help he needed.
Chewy's heart-rending tale was detailed in the note left by his former owner: "Hi. I'm Chewy! My owner was in an abusive relationship and couldn't afford me to get on the flight. She didn't want to leave me with all her heart but she has NO other option." The distressed woman explained that she'd feared leaving Chewy with her cruel ex-boyfriend, believing he stood a better chance being abandoned at the airport.
Further in the note, she pleaded for Chewy's care explaining, "My ex-boyfriend kicked my dog when we were fighting and he has a BIG knot on his head. He probably needs a vet. I love Chewy so much. Please love and take care of him." Once Chewy was safe and warm at the rescue centre, Lindia Gilliam, its founder, posted messages on Facebook directed at his previous owner. A post reassured her, "Please share in hopes that his mum sees this. She was brave to leave. He will have a great life."
Another person said: "We will absolutely reunite should she come forward and wants him and is in the position to care for him safely. Her safety is a major concern and she may not be able to risk coming forward and Connor and Millie's Dog Rescue asks that you respect her decision as it is hers and hers alone to make."
But when the lady didn't show up, the rescue centre started looking for a new home for the dog after a month. They got loads of people wanting to take him and found him a new home where he gets lots of love. Lindia from the rescue centre shared: "We have been truly blessed with all the kindness and generosity that has been shown. It gives us the strength and hope to carry on our mission of gifting those that have no hope with a second chance."
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"Please consider adopting from your local shelters and rescues that are brimming with Chewy's yearning for a home to call their own. If you can not adopt, foster, volunteer, share or donate! We alone took in eight dogs in three days and six need surgery. We have two owner surrenders and a line of requests. We can not do what we do without funds and fosters - be a part of the transformation."
If you have been affected by issues of domestic violence or coercive control you can call Refuge's 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free. The number is 0808 2000 247
To contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-799-7233, text "START" to 88788, or visit
Anyone affected by abuse and in need of support can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233). Advocates are available 24/7 and can also be reached via live chat on or by texting "START" to 88788 or "" to 22522.
Got a story about your dog? Send an email to [email protected].
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.