In Miami Shores, Florida, a distressing trend of pet abandonment has been on the rise, with animals being left to fend for themselves in rural areas, leading to severe environmental problems. This issue is no longer limited to snakes and iguanas but now includes cats and dogs.
Recently, two sisters, Olivia and Sophia Kisch, discovered a Shepherd mix named Tiberius in a Publix parking lot. Attached to Tiberius was a note written in both Spanish and English, pleading for someone to love and care for him as his owner had abandoned him. The note described him as sweet and affectionate, promising to bring happiness to someone’s life. Tiberius appeared scared and skittish, with his tail tucked between his legs.
The girls, accompanied by their father, couldn’t bear to leave him behind. Despite already having two dogs, they decided to rescue Tiberius. Their mother, Cristy Clavijo-Kisch, shared her anger towards the previous owner, questioning why they didn’t take proper care of the dog if they thought he would make a great pet.
Upon taking Tiberius to the vet, they learned he was approximately seven months old, neutered, but had no identifying owner information.
Unfortunately, Tiberius’s case is not isolated, as South Florida has seen an increase in desperate pet owners resorting to abandonment. During the same week the Kisch family found Tiberius, someone abandoned a diabetic cat in a sealed box at the Animal Welfare Society of South Florida in Miami. The organization was able to rescue the cat and is now searching for a loving home for her.
Just a month prior to this incident, another cat was left on the group’s doorstep, accompanied by a note introducing himself as Santana, an 8-year-old good boy, explaining that his owner had to move and couldn’t keep him.
These incidents highlight the pressing issue of pet abandonment in the region. Shelters are overwhelmed, rescue groups are struggling to cope, and they are in dire need of adopters, foster homes, and donations to address this growing problem.
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