A 17-year-old boy experiencing homelessness found both shelter and an emotional reunion with his puppy after a compassionate community stepped in to help.
The teen, who remains anonymous, arrived at the Senatobia-Tate County Animal Shelter in Mississippi with his Rottweiler/German shepherd mix, Jada, and a bag of dog food. His heartbreaking request left shelter staff stunned.
“He asked if he could leave his dog here, and I told him, ‘Buddy, we are so full,’” recalled Interim Shelter Director Kris Robinson in an interview with WREG News. “And he said, ‘Well, I can’t take care of her anymore. I live under a bridge.’ It broke my heart.”
He explained that he had been living in a tent with Jada, but after she broke free while he was out looking for work, he no longer even had a tent—and he couldn’t afford to feed her.
Though the shelter had no room, Robinson couldn't turn Jada away. She took the puppy in and shared the story on Facebook, not expecting the overwhelming response it would receive.
A Heartbreaking Story Sparks a Wave of Support
Along with a photo of Jada curled up with her food and blanket, the shelter’s post read:
“She is devastated. I can’t be mad at her owner, though. He is 17, says he lives under a bridge in Tate County. He WALKED her all the way to the shelter and asked us to please take her because he can’t afford to keep her… She kept herself pinned to his legs while he was here. We are full, but how could we not take her in?”
The story quickly spread, and messages of support flooded in. Moved by the outpouring of kindness, Robinson was brought to tears.
“For this young man to be just 17 and down on his luck—yet no matter what he was facing, he still took the time to walk her here and make sure someone would take care of her—that says a lot about his character,” she told WREG.
Finding the Teen and Giving Him a Fresh Start
While the teen had only provided limited information on the surrender form, it was enough for Robinson to connect him with people who could help. Since the town doesn’t have an official homeless shelter, Senatobia police and local community members worked together to locate him and ensure he was safe. Thanks to their efforts, local churches stepped in to offer assistance, and he was provided with a temporary home while he works to rebuild his life.
Even better? He and Jada have been reunited.
Shortly after the story gained attention, a woman claiming to be the teen’s mother reached out to the news outlet, explaining that he had been missing for a year after running away from home. While the details of his family situation remain unclear, one thing is certain:
At just 17 years old, facing unimaginable hardship, he put his dog's well-being above his own—a selfless act that speaks volumes about his love and responsibility.