Stray dogs spend their days wandering the streets, searching for scraps to quiet their hunger.
Every sunrise brings them a small spark of hope that someone kind will notice them and take them to safety.
Tanner was one of those strays. While roaming the streets of Houston, Texas, he longed for the moment when his life would finally change.
That moment arrived when he was rescued and brought into a local shelter. Not long after his arrival, the staff quickly realized that Tanner was not just another dog — he was truly special.
A Gentle Pup Facing A Harsh Fate
From the time he entered the shelter, Tanner was eager to find a family of his own. But as the weeks went by with no one choosing him, his chances began to fade.
After three weeks, the overcrowded shelter had no space left, and sadly, Tanner’s name was added to the euthanasia list.
That was when Madeline Garvis Smith, a local dog advocate, came to visit him. She was instantly touched when Tanner wrapped his paws around her, giving her one of his unforgettable hugs.
He captured her heart right away, and she knew she had to do everything possible to keep him alive.
“He was pure love; almost starved for attention. Putting him back in his kennel was the hardest part, because I knew he was just so lonely. I meet a lot of dogs, but some just pull on your heartstrings more than others. Tanner was one of them,” said Garvis Smith.
Madeline regularly shares stories of shelter dogs on her Instagram, and this time, she posted about Tanner. She wanted the world to see that he was an affectionate boy who only needed someone to give him a chance.
Tanner’s affectionate nature shone through with everyone he met. He climbed into volunteers’ laps, craving more cuddles, and loved snuggling as close as possible. Though he was already a year old, he adored being held like a baby.
Finding A Way To Save Tanner
Realizing his time was running out, Garvis Smith began urgently looking for a foster who could take Tanner in.
Her plea was answered by Kari, a foster mom who happily agreed to give Tanner a safe place to stay.
When it was finally time to leave the shelter, Tanner made sure to say goodbye to his caretakers. He wrapped them in gentle hugs, as if to thank them for all the love and kindness they had given him.
The moment he stepped outside with Kari, his tail wagged with joy. He could feel that better days were ahead.
As soon as he climbed into Kari’s car, she kissed him, overwhelmed with relief and happiness knowing that his life had been spared.
At first, Tanner was a little shy in his foster home. But it didn’t take long for him to realize that he was safe and surrounded by love. Soon, he was asking for pets, enjoying the affection of his foster family, and soaking up every cuddle.
A Bright Future For A Loving Boy
Tanner’s next step will be traveling to the Animal Rescue Network of New England, where he will stay until he finds the forever home he’s been waiting for.
There’s no doubt that this affectionate pup will capture someone’s heart soon. With his endless hugs and gentle nature, he has so much love to give. Whoever adopts him will be blessed with his warm cuddles every single day.