A Dallas shelter expressed outrage after a family surrendered their dog, Rooney, after seven years without any wrongdoing on his part.

Rooney, a 7-year-old dogue de Bordeaux, was left at a shelter by his owners following the birth of their new baby. The family left him at a local animal control shelter, which was already overwhelmed and facing challenges.

Despite being neutered, well-behaved, and friendly with other dogs, Rooney was abandoned because his family felt they couldn’t give him enough attention after the baby’s arrival.

Rooney’s fate hung in the balance until transporter Ricky, affiliated with the Dallas shelter Lone Star Dog Ranch & Dog Ranch Rescue, stepped in. He paid the small fee to take Rooney away from the shelter. Upon arrival at the rescue center, staff were both heartbroken and angry at the situation.

In a passionate Facebook post, Lone Star Dog Ranch & Dog Ranch Rescue condemned the act of abandoning pets due to life changes, promising to find Rooney a home where he would be valued regardless of any disruptions in his family’s life.

The post highlighted the troubling statistics of pets entering shelters and the high number of animals euthanized each year. Shelters are working hard to decrease euthanasia rates through adoption initiatives, spaying and neutering programs, and behavioral rehabilitation efforts.

When Rooney arrived at Dog Ranch Rescue, he was suffering from stress and diarrhea. He is currently in isolation as a precautionary measure, receiving care in a calm and supportive environment.

The rescue’s Facebook post didn’t shy away from confronting the family’s decision to surrender Rooney, questioning whether they felt remorseful and urging them to consider the impact of their actions on the loyal pet they left behind.