Rescued from the cruel fate of life as a commercial breeding dog, one special Poodle finally got the chance she had always deserved.
And she couldn’t be more thankful.
That’s the beauty of dogs: they remain grateful for even the smallest kindness, showering us with loyalty and love.
Clara the Poodle found her own unique way to express gratitude. She hugs. Not just a gentle nuzzle, but real hugs, standing on her hind legs and holding tight until you return the affection.
The Dog Who Just Wanted A Hug
Despite years of hardship, Clara’s personality never dimmed. Her eyes still sparkled, and her sweet spirit stayed intact. Deep down, she was a good girl who only wanted a chance.
When Havaheart Rescue took Clara in, she trembled with fear, uncertain about what these new people intended to do with her. Years of exploitation had left her wary of humans.
But once Julie, her foster mom, welcomed her home, Clara began to let her guard down. Slowly, she realized she was safe.
After a lifetime spent as a breeding dog in a puppy mill, Clara was finally treated like the cherished Poodle she was meant to be.
Her first bath washed away years of neglect. Her matted coat was shaved, revealing the start of a stunning transformation.
Day by day, Clara blossomed. She grew into a loving, playful companion whose affection surprised everyone.
“I think when she realized she was safe, and we weren’t going to hurt her, very quickly we discovered how affectionate she was with giving hugs,” Julie told The Dodo.
Clara’s hugs became her signature. She would rise up on her hind legs, wrap her paws around you, and hold on tight until you responded with the same love.
It was her way of saying thank you for giving her a second chance.
The Gift Of A Forever Family
It didn’t take long for someone to fall in love with Clara. Within weeks, Julie found her the perfect match.
Clara became Tallulah, and her new mom, Melissa, adored her from the moment they met.
“She looks at you and just shows love. She loves to be hugged back. The way she has impacted our family is just adding pure love,” Melissa shared in a video.
Every time Tallulah greets someone she cares about, she immediately stands up to hug them, covering them with affection and kisses, while asking for the same in return.
And she won’t stop until she gets that hug.
For Tallulah, this simple act is more than just a greeting. It’s a reminder of all the love she missed for so many years. Puppy mill survivors often have it harder than strays. They live around humans every day but are denied even the most basic kindness.
From Statistics To A Love Story
Tallulah was once just another number in the heartbreaking statistics.
According to Dogster, tens of thousands of active puppy mills remain in the United States, with Missouri, Tallulah’s home state, ranking as the worst. Year after year, the numbers remain high, and thousands of dogs like Tallulah suffer in silence.
She was nothing more than breeding stock, valued only for the litters she produced. Her life was confined to misery, until rescue gave her a way out.
If Melissa hadn’t adopted her, Tallulah might still be yearning for love, waiting for someone to finally hold her close.
Today, she is thriving as part of a loving family. Melissa even adopted another Havaheart Rescue pup, giving Tallulah a canine companion to share her new life with.
Now, her days are filled with comfort, joy, and, of course, endless hugs.
For a dog who once knew only neglect, life has never been sweeter.
We can only wish Tallulah a lifetime of hugs so abundant that she can hardly keep up.