No one should have to endure the pain of being abandoned by those they trust most. Sadly, just like humans, dogs can feel deep heartbreak when their loved ones let them down.

Oak, a one-year-old pup, learned this the hardest way. On the day his owners decided to leave him, he thought they were taking him for a ride. Instead, they drove him to an unfamiliar spot, tied him to a tree behind Stray Rescue of St. Louis in Missouri, and walked away.

The loyal dog watched as they disappeared from view, not realizing that he would never see them again.

Clinging To Hope

At first, Oak was confused. He lay under the tree, scanning his surroundings, convinced that at any moment his family would reappear.

While shelter staff and volunteers were out walking dogs, they spotted him tethered to a mag

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