Texas Rescue Dog Facing Euthanasia Finds Hope After His Heartwarming Hugs Go Viral
It’s heartbreaking to know that so many animals in overcrowded shelters are there through no fault of their own.
All they want is what everyone does – a sense of safety, love, and a place to belong. One of those animals was Tanner, a gentle stray who had been trying to survive on the streets of Houston, Texas.
Every day, he hoped someone would stop and see him, someone who might give him a chance. When he was finally taken to a shelter, it felt like his luck had changed.
For a while, things seemed better. He had food, warmth, and people who cared. But even in a shelter, hope can be fragile, and time is never guaranteed.
Every day, Tanner watched other dogs wag their tails as they were chosen by families, leaving behind empty kennels. And every day, his kennel stayed the same.
Three long weeks went by. In shelter time, that feels like forever. No one came for Tanner.
Sadly, with the shelter filling up fast, Tanner’s name ended up on the euthanasia list.
His story might have ended there if not for one person who crossed his path at just the right time.
That person was Madeline Garvis Smith, a volunteer and passionate dog lover who often spends her time helping shelter dogs.
When Madeline met Tanner, she expected another sweet dog who needed a photo and a story shared online. What she didn’t expect was the way Tanner reached for her.
Instead of barking or bouncing around, Tanner leaned in and wrapped his paws around her.
He hugged her like he’d been waiting his whole life for someone to hold on to.
Madeline was instantly touched, as she shared in an interview:
“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.”
That hug was enough for Madeline to decide she couldn’t let this dog’s story end in heartbreak.
She quickly shared Tanner’s story on her Instagram page, where she regularly advocates for shelter pets.
She called him the “cutest love bug,” sharing:
“Every single volunteer he’s met, he’s immediately snuggled into them, jumping on their knee, begging to be carried like the big baby he is. He is just the bestest dog ever.”
It wasn’t long before her post caught the attention of Kari, a kind-hearted woman who didn’t hesitate to step up.
Kari agreed to foster Tanner, giving him the safety of a temporary home and a chance to show just how wonderful he truly was.
As Tanner got ready to leave the shelter, he seemed to sense something good was finally happening. He hugged the staff members, as if saying thank you.
The transformation was almost instant. By the time he hopped into Kari’s car, his spirit had already begun to shine brighter.
When Tanner arrived at his foster home, he was understandably a little shy. But that didn’t last long.
With love and patience, he quickly settled in and started soaking up every pet and cuddle his foster family offered.
Now, Tanner is preparing for the next step. He’ll be moving to the Animal Rescue Network, where he’ll stay in foster care until the perfect forever family comes along.
