An abandoned dog was found with a heartbreaking note attached to his collar at an Australian park in January, just one instance of thousands the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has dealt with over the past year.

The note left on Charlie, a 1-year-old American Staffordshire, said he could not stay at his previous location as the owner feared for his safety. The RSPCA Queensland wrote in an April 10 Instagram post that the situation is “incredibly sad” for Charlie and the family.

“Unfortunately my mum and dad needed to leave me behind for my own safety and theirs,” the note read. “If I stayed where I was the bad guy would have hurt me and mum and dad would have no home.”

The note also shared more about Charlie’s personality. He loves people, but he needs time to feel comfortable, which is what the RSPCA Queensland noticed when he was brought into their shelter by the stranger who found him.

Dog abandonded with note
Photos of a note that was left with Charlie the dog (right) when he was abandoned at a park. The note said Charlie was not safe if he stayed where he was.RSPCA QUEENSLAND

Charlie took time to cope with shelter life, but as he started to relax and spend time with people in the offices, he came out of his shell. The post said he is a super affectionate dog, eager to please, and loves getting pats and treats.

A foster family stepped up to take Charlie in and give him a break from shelter life.

Newsweek reached out to RSPCA Queensland for additional information.

Charlie’s story, unfortunately, is not out of the ordinary. The RSPCA has experienced abandonment calls due to cost-of-living increases and receives between 100 and 200 calls a month.

‘Vulnerable innocent soul’

Charlie’s story shared on Instagram broke people’s hearts. The photo had more than 1,480 likes and 40 comments as of Wednesday.

“Hurts my heart to think he watched his owner walk away and drive off without him,” commented one viewer.

“That is so terribly sad, and so sad that someone had to go to these lengths for the poor Dog. The world is terribly tough,” added another.

A third person said: “Sweet boy. Just a vulnerable innocent soul.”