An Unexpected Morning at the Shelter
When staff members at Bloomfield Animal Shelter (BAS) in New Jersey arrived for their Monday morning shift, they expected the usual routine of feeding, cleaning, and caring for the animals already inside. But what they discovered outside the gates stopped them in their tracks.
Waiting patiently, with gray-muzzled faces pressed against the fence, were two senior dogs tied to the shelter’s property. Beside them was a note, carefully written by the person who left them behind.
The message revealed the heartbreaking truth: their owner had lost their home to foreclosure and was now living on the streets. Unable to care for their beloved pets through the harsh winter, they had made the painful decision to leave them somewhere safe.
“Please take care of them and don’t kill them,” the note read. “They deserve to live their golden years happy and warm.”
Shadow and Tiger’s Story
The letter also introduced the two dogs by name: Shadow, a black-coated pup, and Tiger, a brown brindle. Even more touching was the detail that the pair were littermates, born in 2009, with their 15th birthday just weeks away.
Their owner described them as gentle, social, and affectionate with children and other animals. Though their health history was uncertain, it was clear they had been cherished for many years. The request at the end of the note tugged at the rescuers’ hearts more than anything else:
“Please keep them together if you can.” 💔
At nearly 15 years old, Shadow and Tiger had spent their entire lives side by side. To separate them now would have been devastating.
No Room, But Plenty of Compassion
There was one immediate challenge: the shelter was already at capacity. Every kennel was full, and the team had no space for two more dogs, let alone a bonded senior pair.
While frustrated by the way the dogs were surrendered, staff members couldn’t ignore the reality that the family had been out of options. This wasn’t a case of abandonment out of cruelty — it was an act of desperation from someone who had clearly loved their pets deeply.
The shelter quickly turned to the community for help, posting the boys’ story online with a plea for foster support.
That’s when Scooby-Doo’s Rescue Mission (SDRM) stepped in. Christine Biggiani Bakelaar, who runs SDRM, saw the post and knew instantly she had to act.
A Twist of Fate
When Christine arrived at the shelter and read the note for herself, she was stunned by a detail she had missed earlier. The dogs’ birthday was October 12 — the same as her own.
“OMG! This was meant to be,” she wrote in a Facebook post. It felt like destiny that she would be the one to help them.
Christine quickly found a loving foster placement — a quiet farm where Shadow and Tiger could relax, decompress, and adjust to life after such a sudden upheaval. There, the two brothers could stay together, exploring the fields, napping in soft beds, and rediscovering joy in their golden years.
Hope for the Future
Though their forever family hasn’t been found yet, Shadow and Tiger are thriving in foster care. Their rescuers are still hoping to connect with their previous owner, not to judge, but to gather medical history and — if possible — reassure them that their beloved boys are safe and loved.
Christine has promised one thing above all: the two will never be separated.
For now, the brothers are enjoying farm life, soaking in affection, and proving that even senior dogs have so much love left to give. Their story is a powerful reminder of the struggles many pet owners face during housing and financial crises — and of the extraordinary kindness that can step in when heartbreak strikes.
“Shadow and Tiger want to say thank you to all of you for loving them so much,” Christine shared. “They’re safe, they’re happy, and they’re together.”
