It may sound like something out of a film, but Los Angeles has a new viral sensation who has won over thousands online. He is tiny, spotted, and impossibly sweet.
His name is Cosmo, a newborn puppy discovered inside a paper bag, whose rescue story spread quickly across TikTok and warmed countless hearts.
The journey began when MJ Gray, known on TikTok as @texasgardenfairy, introduced Cosmo to her followers. So young and fragile, he still relies on bottle feeding to survive.
From A Troubling Start To A Brighter Tomorrow
In the now widely shared clip, Cosmo appears resting quietly in Gray’s arms.
She clearly cares for him deeply, even though taking in another dog was never part of her plans.
“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 video.
Cosmo’s journey began when Gray’s neighbor spotted a woman sitting in her car holding a puppy tucked inside a paper bag. The woman seemed desperate to find help, but communication was difficult due to language barriers.
“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 shared in an interview.
The Internet Takes Notice
It did not take long for Cosmo to capture the attention of animal lovers everywhere.
One TikTok user commented: “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 offered a guess about 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.”
Many people began sharing their own rescue stories, showing support and understanding.
One person wrote: “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!!”
As interest grew, so did the number of people eager to give Cosmo a home.
“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 explained.
A Community Steps Forward
Until he is ready for adoption, Cosmo receives steady support from those around him.
Posh Pet Care, a doggy daycare in West Hollywood, offered to babysit him while Gray worked, easing some of the challenges of caring for such a young puppy.
Experts consistently stress that puppies should remain with their mothers until they reach at least eight weeks old to help with social and physical development. Even though Cosmo did not get that chance, he has already stolen the hearts of thousands.
“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 discovered inside a paper bag on the streets of Los Angeles to becoming a beloved online favorite, Cosmo has already overcome a great deal.
Surrounded by compassion and with a list of families waiting to meet him, his future looks hopeful and bright.