Every dog has a story — some of hardship and some of love. In the case of this pup named Rhoudy, there’s more than a little of both.

Rhoudy, a 3-year-old terrier mix, was surrendered by his family, ultimately ending up at the Greenville Humane Society in South Carolina. It’s unclear exactly why his family felt no longer able to give him the life that he deserves, but it wasn’t a decision they took lightly.

Arriving with Rhoudy at the shelter was a touching note from people who still love him.

The note, apparently written by children who were friends with Rhoudy, reads as follows:

“We love you Rhoudy. I will miss you, Rhoudy. But you’re going home! And I hope your people love you as much as I do. Love, [redacted]. You good boy!!!”

Staff at the Greenville Humane Society were so touched to read the note, they decided to write a message in return.

“To Rhoudy’s Previous Kids,” the shelter’s reply begins. “We got your note. We know how hard it was to say goodbye. But you were so brave and so strong. Sometimes hard decisions have to be made, but he knows how much you love him.”

The shelter’s reply, printed in its entirety below, goes on to end with a promise:

Rhoudy had been moved to the Greenville Humane Society from another shelter, so his former family isn’t easy to track down. But his new caretakers would like to reach them.

“He came with the note when he was transferred, so we haven’t met the kids, unfortunately,” a spokesperson for the shelter told The Dodo. “We were hoping at some point our message would reach them and let them know he’s in great hands. He’s doing so well!”

Fulfilling the promise made to Rhoudy’s loved ones, however, isn’t something the shelter can do alone.

Rhoudy is still available for adoption at the Greenville Humane Society, hoping to find his forever home.