Dog abandoned, tied to tree after owner lost job due to Covid 19

The coronavirus pandemic has affected people in ways we never imagined. One man's act illustrated just how desperate some people may feel.

Authorities found a german shepherd cross australian shepherd tied to a tree in the US state of Indiana with a letter attached to her collar.

It explained that the owner had to give her up after losing his job because of the pandemic.

"Hi my name is Roadie," the handwritten note began.

"My dad lost his job and soon his home from Covid. Please pray for him and give him hope that I will find a good home."

Johnson County Animal Shelter is now on the hunt to try and find the dog a forever home after she was surrendered.

"This sweet girl had a note attached to her collar that in short said, Roadie had been sent out in the world to find her new home," the listing for Roadie read.

A heartbreaking note was found attached to the dog's collar. Photo / Facebook

"Luckily, she made it safely to the shelter unharmed."

The handwritten note explained Roadie was one of 10 puppies born to a litter and she was previously rescued. It went on to detail her personality along with the types of food she eats.

"I was a spoiled girl, my dad gave me my own couch to lay on and my own memory foam bed," it read. "He also fed me steak, chicken and rice but my preferred food was lamb and rice.

"Please if you find me give me a good home and love and maybe a friend. I love children and play well with other dogs."

The note also explained that she had been trained to follow basic commands such as "sit" and "shake".

The letter said Roadie was full of energy and loved to chew on toys — but would tear them apart if they have a squeaker.

The emotional letter along with a photo of the dog have since gone viral. The Johnson County Animal Shelter said it had already received more than 20 inquiries about adopting Roadie as it continues to filter through applications.

However, director of the Indiana animal shelter Michael Delp told local network WTHR there was a better way the owner could have given up Roadie.

"It's never a good idea to release an animal anywhere on its own," he told the station. "Roadie could have been struck by a vehicle, could have been attacked by wolves or coyotes. So call your local shelter."

In Australia, there has been an increase in dogs being given up for financial reasons.

"We are noticing that our surrenders are increasing, probably because of that financial uncertainty," Dogs' Refuge Home general manager Kristi Treadgold told the ABC.

"People are maybe not able to afford their dogs any more so the amount of calls we are taking for dogs to be rehomed is increasing.

"If you can help us to help more dogs, please do so by coming in to adopt and spending that time that you have at home to put into the dog."