French animal protection organisation SPA de Nailly works to rescue and rehabilitate dogs in need.
They're used to taking in desperate cases, and always look forward to finding new families for the animals in their care. Sometimes, heartbreakingly, things don't go to plan.
Forlorn and forgotten
On the 22nd of September the team shared the tragic story of Ion, an 11-year-old Presa Canario who had been tied up outside the shelter gates.
"Sadly not all stories have happy endings at the SPA", they shared on Facebook. "And the story of Ion is sad proof of this".
They went on to describe the senior dog's desperation at having been abandoned by the people who were meant to love him most.
"Presa Canarios live between 9-11 years", explained SPA de Nailly. But instead of being cared for in his time of need, Ion spent the last days of his life in a kennel.
A tribute to Ion
The rescue shared a tribute to Ion, describing that while abandonment is traumatic for any dog, it can be particularly hard on dogs nearing the end of their lives.
At his advanced age, Ion succumbed to his despair, and his condition rapidly deteriorated. He died just one month after his rescue, without ever having a second chance at happiness.
Ion didn't deserve to cross the rainbow bridge like this, and the SPA are determined to raise awareness about the treatment of older dogs.
They implore anyone caring for a senior pet to consider things from their perspective, offering as much comfort, warmth and protection as they require.
"Take care of your golden oldies in tribute to Ion", they wrote.
