On February 13, the staff at the Xollin Animal Shelter in the Mexican state of Michoacan discovered a Pit Bull puppy in a cardboard box outside their facility. The injured pup was accompanied by a stuffed toy and a note from a broken-hearted boy.

“My name is Andrés and I am 12 years old. My mom and I decided to leave my dog in your hands, hiding it from my dad because he is thinking about selling him. But he mistreats and kicks him. One day he kicked him so hard that he hurt his tail. I hope you can help and take care of him,” the letter read. “I left him a stuffed animal so he won’t forget me.”

A sad face was drawn at the bottom in place of a signature.

Shelter workers shared Andrés’ devastating story on their Facebook page. Soon, they received hundreds of comments and well wishes for the boy, including this heartfelt message:

“How I wish this little boy could know his baby is safe now and how brave and generous of him to think of the puppy first. I wish I could hug this little boy – and pray his father changes. Father may be overwhelmed – which is not to excuse his cruelty.”

Before they knew it, the shelter was contacted by more than 300 families from all over the country, hoping to adopt the puppy, now named Rene. While the response is heartwarming, staff were quick to remind potential adopters they had 120 other dogs — each with their own sad story — in need of homes.

“If everyone opened their heart and their home like this little dog, they would have adopted all our dogs from the shelter,” they wrote in a Facebook post.

Rene has since been seen by a veterinarian where he was dewormed and treated for an injured tail. He now has a clean bill of health. It seems Andrés and Rene’s story has also inspired some area animal lovers to become involved with the shelter.

“Thanks to those few people who have come to ask how they can join and help us, to protect more animals that suffer abuse or neglect in our municipality and surroundings.” Xollin staff have vowed to choose the best possible family for Rene