Life on the streets can be tough, especially for a dog with nothing but hope in his heart. That was the case for Tanner, a stray dog roaming Houston, Texas, searching for food and affection. Like so many others, he waited for someone to notice him and give him the chance he so deeply craved. One day, his hope was answered.
Source: Instagram / @madtotherescue
Tanner was finally rescued and brought to a local shelter. It didn’t take long for the staff to realize he wasn’t just another homeless dog—he was something special. Tanner had a way of wrapping his paws around people and hugging them, as if to say, “Please don’t forget me.”
Despite his loving nature, Tanner was overlooked by potential adopters. Weeks passed, and the shelter, overwhelmed by overcrowding, had to make heartbreaking decisions. Tanner’s name ended up on the euthanasia list.
Then came Madeline Garvis Smith, a local dog advocate who frequently visits shelters and shares the stories of dogs in need on her Instagram page. When she met Tanner, he immediately wrapped his paws around her in the gentlest hug. She was stunned by his warmth and need for love. “He was pure love—almost starved for attention,” she recalled. “Putting him back in his kennel was the hardest part.”
Madeline was determined to save him. She posted his story on August 26, 2023, urging her community to find a foster for the affectionate pup. Her plea quickly reached Kari, a foster mom willing to open her home to Tanner.
Source: Instagram / @madtotherescue
On the day of his release, Tanner gave one final round of hugs to the shelter staff who had cared for him. It was as if he knew they had done their best and wanted to thank them before leaving. As soon as he stepped outside, his tail began to wag. He was going home—at least for now.
When he arrived at his foster home, Tanner was shy, unsure of what to expect. But with patience and gentle care, he warmed up. He began asking for pets, snuggling close, and soaking in all the love he had missed for so long.
Tanner will soon travel to the Animal Rescue Network of New England, where he’ll continue his journey toward a forever home. It’s only a matter of time before someone recognizes the gift that Tanner is—a dog who hugs not out of fear, but out of gratitude.
Source: Instagram / @madtotherescue
His story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most overlooked souls have the most love to give. And whoever adopts Tanner will get to feel that love in the form of a hug, every single day.
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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.
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