UPDATE:

Huge thank you to everyone that donated, we didn't reach the goal but the money raised has made a big difference to Alison. Street Paws have been working closely with Alison as well as looking after Rooney until she is back on her feet. Street Paws gave Alison the news that we had raised this money for her and she was blown away. It has enabled her to put a deposit on a small furnished house where she and Rooney can be reunited and live together. They move in next month!

We wish them both lots of luck for the future and thank Street Paws for the amazing work they do. If you would like to support Street Paws and their amazing work, you can do so here:

https://streetpaws.co.uk/how-can-i-help%3F

With huge thanks to everyone!

This crowdfunding page is to raise money to help the owner get back on her feet so she can reunite with Cracker (aka Rooney) so they can both be together long-term, safe and sound.

Help reunite nearly 7 year old Cracker with his heartbroken owner who clearly loves him dearly but saw no alternative but to leave Cracker safely tied up in a 24 hour church to prevent the beloved pet going cold and hungry on the streets with the homeless owner. The owner left a note explaining their reasons including the dog's ailments that still need some care and attention along with how very sorry and truly heartbroken she is. The owner fell on tough times and saw no other way to make sure her dog was going to live a better life.

From the comfort of our warm homes it's hard for us to imagine what the owner must have been going through to have to make this choice. Please give whatever you can as every little bit helps turn this sad story into a happy ending.

If the owner of Cracker can't show how the funds raised need to be spent within the spirit of this page, then the funds will be given to a charity connected to this story. This will be updated later with more information if the situation arises.

The BBC article is below...

"Dog found tied up in Blackpool church with 'I'm sorry' note

A dog was found tied up at a church with a note from his old owner saying "I love you and I'm so, so, so sorry". The brindle and white Staffordshire bull terrier-cross, since named Cracker, was abandoned by the altar of Sacred Heart Church, Blackpool. A handwritten note left with him said: "Life has taken a really bad turn for me and I couldn't imagine him being outside with me cold and hungry".

The RSPCA said Cracker was doing well and "getting lots of TLC". The dog was found by staff at the church - which is left unlocked 24 hours a day - when they arrived for work on the morning of 18 December.

The note found alongside him urged whoever found the dog to "please believe me when I say I haven't done this easily". It continued: "My dog means the world to me and I don't know what else to do." The note said he was a "placid, friendly, loving dog" who would turn seven on 22 March 2020.

'Heart is broken'

It added: "He has got quite tender front paws, I've been treating them for about a month now but they are still sore. "My heart is broken and I will truly miss him more than words can say. I hope he can be found a new home he deserves. I love you and I am so, so, so sorry.xxxx"

RSPCA inspector Will Lamping, who collected Cracker from the church, said it was clear from the note how much his previous owner loved him. He added: "Unfortunately sometimes life can throw some pretty tough things at people and circumstances can drastically change but it's heartbreaking to think that someone out there is missing Cracker and wondering how he is doing." Mr Lamping said that if no-one came forward to claim Cracker, who has been checked over by a vet, he would be sent to an RSCPA rehoming centre to look for new owners.

He added: "If anyone does come forward then I'd like to let them know that they won't be in any trouble and we'd like to chat to them and see how we might be able to help them, and Cracker."

Full article from BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-50967291

https://www.thelancasterandmorecambecitizen.co.uk/news/18132163.dog-abandoned-lancashire-church-heartbreaking-note-owner/

Photo credit: RSPCA