Meet Tanner, a rescue dog with a big heart and a bigger need for hugs. Found wandering the streets of Houston, Texas, Tanner was taken in by a local shelter. After spending three weeks hoping for adoption, he was put on the shelter’s euthanasia list.
When local dog advocate Madeleine Garvis-Smith met Tanner, his boundless affection immediately struck her. She felt compelled to help.
“It was pure love. He craved attention so deeply,” Garvis-Smith shared with The Dodo. “Leaving him in the kennel was the hardest part, as he was so lonely. I’ve met many dogs, but some just tug at your heart. Tanner was one of them.”
Garvis-Smith, who runs an Instagram account promoting shelter dogs, quickly shared Tanner’s story, emphasizing his urgent need for a foster home.
“People tag rescues on social media, asking them to step in, but many don’t realize that rescues rely on foster homes,” Garvis-Smith explained.
Tanner’s story soon reached a local foster parent, who volunteered to take him in. Shortly after, the New England Animal Rescue Network offered to shelter Tanner once he was ready. Tanner was on his way to safety—but not without a few hugs from the shelter staff who had cared for him.
“He gave everyone a goodbye hug!” Garvis-Smith recalled.
Now, Tanner is thriving in his foster home, where he enjoys playing and receiving all the affection he craves.
Eventually, he’ll go to New Hampshire and live with Arnie at the New England Animal Rescue until he’s ready to find a permanent home.
Garvis-Smith is confident that Tanner will make an incredible companion for a future family.
“He’s crate-trained, house-trained, and wonderful with kids and other dogs,” she said. “All he wants is to snuggle with his best friend for the rest of his days.”
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