It may sound like something out of a movie, but Los Angeles has a new internet darling — small, spotted, and impossibly adorable.
Meet Cosmo, the tiny puppy discovered inside a paper bag, whose journey has gone viral on TikTok and touched the hearts of thousands.
The story began when MJ Gray, who shares updates on her TikTok account @texasgardenfairy, introduced the world to Cosmo. Still so young and fragile, he requires bottle feeding to survive.
From Almost Nothing To Something Special
In Gray’s video, which continues to gain views, Cosmo is shown resting peacefully in her arms. She clearly adores him, yet admits she hadn’t planned on another dog.
“I’m going to take care of him, I don’t think that I am ready for another dog, and I don’t think I’m ready for a puppy like this. So I’m going to take care of him. But I would love to find him a good home, someone who will take really, really good care of him, and understands what he’s gone through,” she explains in the clip.
Cosmo’s journey began when Gray’s neighbor saw a woman in her car holding the puppy in a paper bag. The woman was looking for someone to help. Because of language barriers, the details were unclear.
“I don’t know why the woman couldn’t care for him, or why he was taken from their mother so young (the vet confirmed Cosmo is approximately just 4 weeks old). In any case, I’m grateful she was looking for someone to take him instead of doing what many people do and discarding him,” Gray told interviewers.
Internet Users Fall In Love
And it wasn’t long before the internet melted over Cosmo’s story.
One TikTok commenter wrote: “I’m sorry but I would never give up this puppy he’s gone through enough at his young age I would keep him and love him forever.”
Another viewer tried to guess his breed: “Looks like a shih tzu mix. Mine had spots like that as a pup but brown. As he gets older you’ll probably be able to guess the mix.”
Others began sharing their own rescue stories in solidarity. One user commented: “My rescue puppy was found in Crete in a trash can at 9 days old! I adopted him at 3 months old from Takis Shelter in Crete. Cookie is 6.5 years old now and thriving!!”
With stories pouring in and support building, adoption requests for Cosmo quickly followed.
“Cosmo currently has a wait-list of people interested in adopting him, with new people calling every day. He’s too young to be re-homed, but once he’s a bit older, neutered and vaccinated, we will begin the process of vetting applicants!” Gray shared.
Step By Step, One Day At A Time
In the meantime, West Hollywood doggy daycare Posh Pet Care stepped up to help by babysitting Cosmo while Gray worked. Taking care of such a young puppy is exhausting, but with community support, it became manageable.
Experts emphasize that puppies should remain with their mothers until at least eight weeks of age to support proper growth and socialization. Cosmo, though removed too soon, is already ahead when it comes to winning hearts online.
“I’m so grateful for everyone who reached out and showed their support and their interest in Cosmo and his story. Cosmo’s story is sad and I wish he could’ve stayed with his mother longer and been born into a home that could care for him. However, I’m grateful that this woman tried to find someone who could take him and give him the life that he deserves,” Gray said.
From being found inside a paper bag on the streets of Los Angeles to capturing the love of thousands, Cosmo’s start was rough, but his future is already bright. Surrounded by kindness and with a family waiting in the wings, this little puppy’s life is full of hope.