Stray dogs wander the streets, hoping to find scraps of food to satisfy their hunger.
Each new day on the streets brought a glimmer of hope, a quiet wish that maybe today would be the day they’d find safety.
Tanner was one of those vulnerable pups, wandering the streets of Houston, Texas, with nothing but the hope that someone would see him and offer him the love and care he so desperately needed.
Then, one day, that hope became a reality. Tanner was rescued and brought to a local shelter, where the staff quickly realized they had a very special pup in their care.
A Heartfelt Pup Faces the Euthanasia List
Ever since Tanner arrived at the shelter, he has longed to find his forever family. Three weeks have passed, and nobody has come forward to adopt him.
The shelter was overcrowded, and tragically, this sweet pup’s name was added to the euthanasia list.
Madeline Garvis Smith, a passionate dog advocate, visited Tanner. She was deeply moved by his affectionate nature when he wrapped his paws around her and gave her the most heartwarming hug.
He captured her heart instantly, and she knew she had to do everything in her power to save his life.
“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.
Through her Instagram account, Garvis Smith shares stories about shelter pups. On August 26th, 2023, she posted Tanner’s story, wanting to spread the word about the cutest love bug who just needed someone to give him a chance.
This gentle boy showered all the volunteers with love. He would jump right into their laps, begging for more attention. Though Tanner was just a one-year-old pup, he adored being carried like a baby.
Tanner’s Journey to Safety
Garvis Smith urgently reached out for a local foster who could offer Tanner a temporary home, hoping to give him the chance he so desperately needed.
Tanner’s story touched the heart of Kari, a loving foster mom who eagerly offered to bring him into her home, ready to provide him with the care and affection he deserved.
As the time came to leave the shelter, Tanner gently hugged his shelter friends as if to thank them for their care and love during his time there. His heart was full of gratitude.
When he finally stepped outside with his foster mom, his tail wagged with excitement—a clear sign of his happiness at the new chapter ahead.
The moment Tanner hopped into the car with Kari, she kissed him, feeling both overjoyed and relieved that this sweet boy had been saved. His future was now full of hope.
When Tanner first arrived at his foster home, he was understandably shy. But as soon as he felt the warmth and care of his new family, he began to open up. Soon, he was seeking out pets and soaking in the love that surrounded him.
Before long, Tanner was a part of the Animal Rescue Network of New England in New Hampshire, and now he’s happy at his forever home.