When rescuers from Paw Squad 559 met Hotdog, they could tell right away she’d had a hard life. The little brown pup had been pulled from an overcrowded California shelter — her body still full of milk, but with no puppies in sight.
“She likely spent her whole life having litter after litter,” said LaRee Holt of Paw Squad 559. “And when she developed a heart murmur, she wasn’t even scheduled to make it out of the shelter.”
Thankfully, Paw Squad 559 stepped in before it was too late. They got Hotdog the medical care she needed and placed her in a loving foster home where she could finally rest, recover and discover what it meant to be loved.
But as the weeks turned into months — and then into a full year — Hotdog was still waiting for her forever family.
Her rescuers suspected it was because of her heart medication. But to them, that small detail didn’t come close to defining who she was. Hotdog was gentle, affectionate, and endlessly hopeful.
So when Paw Squad 559 held a big adoption event, they brought Hotdog along, believing it might finally be her turn.
By the end of the day, every single dog at the event had found a home — except for Hotdog.
“Our whole team’s heart broke when Hotdog was the only one left,” Holt said. “She just stood there, looking out of the playpen, still holding onto that tiny bit of hope.”
Determined not to give up on her, the rescue shared Hotdog’s story on social media. Within hours, her post went viral — and everything changed.
“Applications started pouring in,” Holt said. “Her first meet-and-greet was with a family who showed up wearing hotdog socks!”
Soon after, a generous donor offered to cover Hotdog’s medication for an entire year. Now, she’s officially pending adoption, and her forever family is waiting right around the corner.
Hotdog’s story is already inspiring others to look twice at the “underdogs” — the ones who might be overlooked but have so much love to give.
“Our rescue specializes in dogs like her,” Holt said. “Every time one finds a home, it makes room for another who needs saving.”
You can help pups like Hotdog find their second chance by donating to Paw Squad 559 here.
