Top 10 Happy Tails of 2023: Meet Hugs

As 2023 comes to a close, we're taking a look back at all of the lives that we’ve saved thanks to your support. While there are really more than 950 stories we could tell, we've chosen 10 dogs to highlight that include long stays, medical cases, seniors and a newborn puppy. Thank you for making each of these stories possible, and for being part of another amazing year of lifesaving in 2024!

Today’s Happy Tail is all about Hugs.

Sidelined by an injury in early 2023, Jacquie's passion for long-distance running was put on hold. During this challenging time, she decided to foster a dog, hoping to find some solace. That's when Hugs entered her life, bringing a spark of joy in a difficult period.

Hugs, with his soft eyes and gentle demeanor, quickly settled into Jacquie's routine. Each day, their bond strengthened as Hugs emotionally supported Jacquie during her difficult time recovering from her injury and time apart from her passion. They grew together as a duo, and it became clear how much they loved one another.

As a foster, you must bring your pups to adoption events every weekend. Jacquie, of course, knew this, but in the days leading up to the Saturday event, her feelings about giving up Hugs wavered. So, the Thursday before, she filled out an adoption registration online. When Saturday arrived, she nervously brought Hugs to the event. When she found out that Hugs had been scheduled for a meeting with another potential adopter, she was devastated. She leaned down to give Hugs one potential last hug, holding tears back in her eyes, and, with a heavy heart, said goodbye to her beloved foster pup.

As fate would have it, the potential adopters did not see Hugs as their perfect pup. Hooray! Hugs was free to be adopted by his true family, Jacquie.

Over the next few months, Jacquie and Hugs continued to get to know one another, cementing their bond of rescuing one another. Jacquie showed Hugs how to go camping and hike; Hugs showed Jacquie his favorite hobby: chasing squirrels and pigeons. Once Jacquie was cleared to run again, they did a trail race together. During this full circle moment, Hugs proved that he was in it for the long haul by swimming through a river by Jacquie’s side. Jacquie even learned that Hugs had herding instincts, constantly checking to make sure everyone was accounted for and that they all remained in a pack. During those long days on the trail Hugs never wavered – physically and emotionally. Through 35 miles, they remained by each other’s side, and will continue to do so for hundreds of more miles coming their way!