A dog rescue centre in Malaga has launched an appeal to find a new home for a ‘loving’ pet after her owner allegedly left her at the gates of a sanctuary with a heartbreaking handwritten note.

The dog, named Jira, was discovered outside the facilities of animal welfare association Alma de 4 Patas in Alhaurín el Grande.

According to the rescue centre, the animal arrived with a plastic bag attached to her collar containing her paperwork and a letter explaining why she had been abandoned.

The note reportedly read: ‘I’m going to prison and I have nobody to leave my dog with. I hope you find her a good family. God bless her.’

The emotional story quickly spread across social media, where hundreds of users shared messages of support and offers to help.

Rescue workers said Jira appears to have been well cared for and described her as a gentle and affectionate dog.

‘You can see from a distance how well looked after she has been and how good she is,’ the organisation wrote in a social media appeal.

The shelter has now placed Jira up for responsible adoption and is searching for a family willing to give her a second chance.

The case has touched the hearts of animal lovers across Spain, with many expressing sympathy both for the dog and for the owner forced to part with what appears to have been a much-loved companion.

In its appeal, Alma de 4 Patas asked potential adopters: ‘Will you be the one to fill the void left by losing her human?’

Anyone interested in adopting Jira can contact the association directly through its adoption programme.