NYC migrant forced to part with pup that is flown back to Ecuador

NEW YORK (PIX11) —- A migrant struggling to find his footing in New York City was forced to painfully part with his precious pup when the dog was flown back to Ecuador this week.

Adrian, who came to New York City to escape gang violence in Ecuador, struggled to find housing to accommodate him and his pet, Scotty, before he spent a tearful afternoon saying goodbye to the 3-year-old mixed mutt. Scotty boarded a flight for Ecuador on Wednesday to be reunited with Adrian’s mother in Guayaquil, according to Rose Norman, adoptions manager at Animal Haven. 

"It was amazing and sad. It breaks his heart to be without his dog," Norman told PIX11 News Thursday.

Adrian, who is in his early 30s, and Scotty crossed the Amazon jungle and the U.S. border together before arriving in New York City about five months ago, Norman said. They spent some nights in parks and on trains before landing a spot at the migrant shelter on Randall's Island but were kicked out after three months, according to Norman.

Adrian struggled to find them another home before Animal Haven took in Scotty in early February. Scotty was vaccinated, fed, and had quality playing time with the staff and Adrian. The pet owner visited him regularly but it was often traumatic for the floppy-eared pup, according to Sydney Rae Serrano, community engagement liaison at Animal Haven.

“He lights up when Adrian is around," Serrano said. "He’s a very important part of the family."

The animal shelter worked with a broker to arrange Scotty's flight to Ecuador to be reunited with Adrian's family. The flight expenses cost about $7,000, according to Norman. In total, Scotty's care cost Animal Haven $10,000, she said.

Adrian, however, refuses to go back to the gang violence in his homeland. He is staying with a friend while he goes through the immigration process.

"He hopes to bring him (Scotty) back one day," Norman said.