Tanner was one of the many stray dogs wandering the streets, searching for scraps and a glimmer of hope. Each day was a test of his resilience, but he clung to the dream that soon, someone would notice him and give him the safety he so desperately needed. That day finally came. Tanner was rescued and brought to a local shelter. At first glance, he seemed like any other stray, but the shelter staff quickly realized he was special. His affectionate nature made him stand out.
Despite his sweet demeanor, three weeks passed without anyone adopting him. Sadly, with the shelter overcrowded, Tanner’s name ended up on the euthanasia list. Enter Madeline Garvis Smith, a devoted dog advocate who couldn’t ignore Tanner’s plight.
When she met him, Tanner wrapped his paws around her, offering a heartfelt hug that instantly melted her heart. “He was pure love; almost starved for attention,” Madeline told The Dodo. “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.”
Determined to save Tanner, Madeline shared his story on Instagram, highlighting his loving personality. Her post on August 26, 2023, described Tanner as the ultimate cuddle bug, a one-year-old pup who loved being held like a baby. Her plea for a foster family resonated with Kari, who stepped forward to give Tanner the temporary home he so desperately needed.
On his final day at the shelter, Tanner seemed to know his life was about to change. He hugged every staff member, thanking them for their care. Once outside with Kari, his wagging tail signaled his excitement and relief.
A man couldn’t afford to pay for the surgery his dog desperately needed, so he decided to improvise and do it himself. In a shocking case of animal cruelty, the man admitted to applying tooth-numbing gel to his dog’s leg and then amputating it.
In his foster home, Tanner was initially shy but soon warmed up, showering his foster family with love and soaking up the affection he had longed for. Soon, Tanner will journey to the Animal Rescue Network of New England, where he’ll stay until he finds his forever home. It’s only a matter of time before Tanner’s future family discovers the joy of his loving hugs and his endless capacity for affection.
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