Shelter Pup’s Sweet Hugs Are His Way of Saying ‘Please Pick Me’

4 weeks ago 14

Every day in cities across the country, countless stray dogs roam the streets, surviving on little more than scraps and sheer willpower. These homeless animals face a harsh reality filled with hunger, fear, and loneliness. With each sunrise, they continue their desperate search for food, shelter, and—most importantly—a kind human heart that will notice them. Despite the odds stacked against them, many of these dogs remain hopeful, their tails wagging faintly at every passerby, silently wishing for a second chance at life and a place to finally call home.

One of those hopeful souls was a sweet and gentle dog named Tanner. His journey began in the bustling streets of Houston, Texas where he wandered alone. Tanner’s days were filled with uncertainty, but his spirit remained unbroken. He looked into the faces of strangers passing by with hope in his eyes, silently wishing that someone would stop and save him.

That wish finally came true when Tanner was picked up and brought to a local animal shelter. For the first time in a long while, he was safe. The shelter staff welcomed him with open arms and quickly discovered that Tanner was no ordinary rescue dog. He had a rare and touching way of expressing his gratitude and desire for love. This affectionate pup had a habit of wrapping his front legs around people and hugging them.

From the moment he arrived, Tanner dreamed of finding a permanent home. Each day, he waited by the kennel gate, hoping that someone would choose him. Three weeks passed and despite his sweet personality and loving gestures, no one came to adopt him. The shelter was overcrowded and his future became increasingly uncertain. Sadly, Tanner’s name was added to the euthanasia list. Time was running out.

Just when all hope seemed lost, help came in the form of a local dog advocate named Madeline Garvis Smith. Known for her compassionate work with animals in need, Garvis Smith visited the shelter and met Tanner. The moment she approached his kennel, Tanner reached out and gave her a heartfelt hug. That one embrace was all it took to leave a lasting impression on her.

Garvis Smith later described Tanner as a dog overflowing with love who was clearly starved for attention and human connection. She confessed that walking away and placing him back in his kennel was one of the hardest things she had ever done. In her own words, some dogs leave a deeper imprint on the heart than others and Tanner was definitely one of them.

Moved by his story and determined to save his life, Garvis Smith took to her Instagram page to advocate for Tanner. On August 26 in the year 2023, she shared his photo and story with her followers. Her post described him as an affectionate and cuddly dog who just needed someone to give him a second chance. Tanner quickly captured the hearts of people online.

In the shelter, Tanner continued to show love to everyone he met. He would snuggle up to volunteers and even climb into their laps for comfort. Though he was only one year old, Tanner behaved like a baby yearning for love and physical closeness. His gentle hugs and soulful eyes made him unforgettable.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Garvis Smith pleaded for someone in the local community to foster Tanner. Fortunately, her message reached Kari, a kind-hearted woman with experience in fostering dogs. Kari did not hesitate. She agreed to welcome Tanner into her home and give him the love and care he so desperately needed.

When the day came for Tanner to leave the shelter, he did something remarkable. Before stepping out with his foster mom, he gently hugged the shelter staff who had cared for him. It was as if he was thanking them for their compassion and saying goodbye with grace and affection.

As soon as he walked outside with Kari, Tanner’s demeanor changed. His tail began to wag with joy. He sensed that his life was taking a turn for the better. When he hopped into Kari’s car, she leaned over and kissed him, overwhelmed with happiness and relief. Tanner was finally safe and loved.

At his foster home, Tanner was initially shy and cautious. But it did not take long for him to understand that he was surrounded by warmth and kindness. Once he felt secure, he began to seek affection again. He would nudge his foster mom for pets and soak in every bit of attention he received.

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Tanner’s journey does not end there. He will soon travel to the Animal Rescue Network of New England located in New Hampshire. There, he will continue his search for a permanent home. The rescue will care for him until the right family comes along—someone who will treasure his gentle soul and return his loving hugs every single day.

Tanner has endured so much in his young life but he has never given up on love. His unwavering affection and resilient spirit make him a true example of why every dog deserves a second chance. Whoever adopts this sweet boy will be gaining not only a pet but a loyal companion who lives to love.