Eden has always had a gentle heart. As a stray in Southern California, she spent her days sleeping under a tree, quietly watching as kind strangers left her food. Whenever someone approached, she greeted them with a soft wag of her tail.
Now safe and waiting for a forever home at an animal hospital, Eden has found a way to spread that love: she reaches her paw through the bars of her kennel to “hold hands” with anyone who walks by.
Suzette Hall, founder of Logan’s Legacy dog rescue, isn’t sure why Eden ended up living under that tree for so long, but she knew the pup had been there a while when she arrived.
“For weeks and weeks, she was under that tree,” Hall told The Dodo. “She wouldn’t leave.”
Despite the care people left her, no one came to rescue her—until Hall heard about Eden and immediately scooped her up. The moment Eden saw Hall, her spirit lifted.
“She knew she was getting help,” Hall said. “She knew it was her time to stop living under the tree.”
At the vet, Eden received a much-needed bath and treatment for a painful skin condition. She was severely underweight, but with care, her sweet personality began to shine through.
“She is the sweetest dog you could ever meet,” Hall said. “She’s just a lover.”
Soon, Eden’s affectionate nature made itself known in a remarkable way. One day, a staff member noticed a small grey-and-white paw poking through the bars of her kennel. They reached out, and Eden offered a gentle squeeze in return.
“She just wants to hold our hand,” Hall said. “She’ll hold your hand and then make the sweetest little howl, as if she’s saying, ‘I love you.’”
Since that moment, Eden has been sharing paw “handshakes” with everyone who passes her kennel, charming staff and visitors alike. Yet she’s still waiting for the one special family to call her own.
Because Eden spent so much time fending for herself outside, she’s nervous around other dogs. Her caregivers are working with trainers to build her confidence, but Hall is seeking a forever home where Eden can be the only dog.
Even though it might take a little longer to find her perfect match, Hall knows it’s only a matter of time before someone falls completely in love with Eden.
“Everyone falls in love with her,” Hall said. “She’s just a cuddler and a total sweetheart.”
For now, Eden continues to spread her love at the hospital, one paw at a time. To Hall, each handshake is more than a request for attention—it’s a thank-you.
“It’s like she’s telling everybody, ‘Thank you. Thank you for noticing me,’” Hall said.
To inquire about adopting Eden, contact Suzette Hall on Facebook.
To help pups like Eden, donations can be made to Camino Pet Hospital under “Logan's Legacy 29.”
