Too many shelter dogs spend their days waiting for a love that never comes.
Behind kennel doors, their eyes tell the story of loneliness, their bodies carry the weight of neglect, and still they hope for someone to see them. Each one dreams of comfort, safety, and a family of their own.
Squish was one of those dogs. At the overcrowded BARC shelter in Houston, he lay quietly in his kennel, his scars telling the story of a life filled with hardship. Yet when a foster parent named Nicole stopped to meet him, his tail wagged furiously, revealing a heart still open to love.
That moment was the beginning of a new chapter. What happened next shows the strength of a dog’s spirit and the healing power of kindness.
A Foster Filled With Care
Once Nicole brought Squish out of the shelter, it was as if he knew he had been given another chance. His scars told a story of hardship, yet his wagging tail revealed a heart eager to trust again.
Nicole later told GeoBeats Animals, “Seeing a dog that has many scars and a dog that’s a senior finding himself in a shelter is the most heartbreaking thing to me.”
She could not leave him behind.
Three Little Pitties Rescue took him under their care, determined to help him find a forever family.
In his foster home, Squish quickly revealed how much affection he had to give. He stayed close to Nicole, leaning against her whenever he could, as if he never wanted to let her out of sight. It was clear, she explained, that “he just wanted to be loved.”
Simple pleasures soon became his favorite things. Squish loved to stretch out in the yard, finding a sunny spot where he could rest peacefully. When Nicole’s work required travel, he rode along, calm and content in the passenger seat.
A Dog Full of Love
Over the months, Squish blossomed into more than just a foster dog.
He greeted everyone with joy, tail wagging at the sight of a new person. Nicole called him “legitimately the happiest dog. That’s just the kind of dog he is.”
His kindness extended to the many other dogs that passed through Nicole’s home. Nearly 25 foster pups have shared space with him, and Squish showed patience with each one.
Nervous newcomers found comfort in his calm presence, while playful dogs enjoyed his gentle energy. With those who mirrored his quiet, laid-back spirit, he formed instant bonds.
Life in foster care gave Squish the love he had likely never known. Nicole reflected on their bond, saying,
“Squish and I have a bond where he knows that I am that person that saved him from a really hard place, and he trusts me and wants to be with me at all times.”
Though their connection runs deep, she believes he deserves a forever home of his own. Letting go will be difficult, but she knows he will thrive with the right family.
Squish is available for adoption through Three Little Pitties Rescue, ready for a home where he can nap in the sun, greet new friends with joy, and finally be cherished for the incredible dog he is.