Every dog has a story

    Hope

    Hope is a tiny senior poodle, an estimated 12 years old and under eight pounds, with some big medical needs. The good news so far: her eye may not need to be removed after all, though she will likely lose most, if not all, of her teeth, and she may have some hearing loss. The shelter desperately wanted her to get care, and once a foster said yes, we got to say yes too. She's now safe, comfortable, medicated, and loved, working through her vet care one step at a time.

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    Hope, a tiny cream-colored senior poodle with a scruffy coat, standing on a tile floor in her foster home and looking up at the camera
    Available for Adoption

    Their Journey So Far

    1. A Little Hope

      September 8, 2026

      Sometimes, all you need is a little hope. We received an urgent plea from one of our favorite shelter partners about a tiny poodle with some very big medical needs. She may need an eye removed. She'll likely need most, if not all, of her teeth removed. And there may be more we discover once she's fully evaluated. Despite all of that, Hope is incredibly sweet. The shelter staff desperately wanted to see her get the care she needed, and we desperately wanted to help. We just weren't sure we could. Then a foster said yes. And because she said yes, we got to say yes, too. Today, her foster picked Hope up from the shelter and brought her home. Tonight, she's safe, comfortable, medicated, and being loved. Her first vet visit is already scheduled, and we'll be sharing her journey as we learn exactly what she needs. We named her Hope because sometimes one person stepping forward is all it takes to change a life. Welcome to The Comeback Pack, sweet girl. This is where your epic comeback begins.

    2. Same Sweet Girl, Just a Little Lighter

      September 10, 2026

      Hope's comeback is officially underway. Since coming into foster care, she's been settling in, getting lots of love, and beginning the process of figuring out exactly what she needs medically. Today was a busy morning: Hope got a much-needed trim — not a fancy groom, just removing all that severely matted fur and her incredibly overgrown nails so she could be more comfortable for her vet evaluation. And we have some encouraging news: Hope does have partial blindness, but so far it looks like her eye may NOT need to be removed. She'll be on antibiotics for the next two weeks while we keep evaluating it. Her teeth are another story — she'll likely need them removed, and dental surgery could come as early as next Thursday or Friday. She may also have some hearing loss. Through all of this, Hope has been incredibly sweet, gentle, and compliant. A huge shoutout to her foster mom, Susanna — she is fabulous, and Hope is truly in the best hands. Fosters are the reason we can say yes to dogs like Hope.

      Before-and-after graphic of Hope: matted, overgrown fur removed by a groomer, and her overgrown nails trimmed, next to her "after" photo looking bright-eyed and lighter
    3. Maybe Younger Than We Thought

      September 12, 2026

      Hope has now seen the vet for additional testing on her eyes, to figure out exactly what's going on and the best course of treatment. She also has oral surgery scheduled for next Friday, where she'll likely lose some, if not all, of her teeth. And we got some good news: the vet suspects Hope may actually be younger than the 15 years we originally estimated — this little senior girl clearly has plenty of life, and plenty of love, left to give. Her foster mom Susanna says Hope is an absolute doll: sweet, loving, and her little tail never stops wagging. She's clearly feeling better every day in Susanna's incredibly capable and loving hands. Once her eyes and teeth are taken care of and she's recovered, we think a fancy little poodle makeover may be in order. For now, Hope is exactly where she needs to be.

      A photo collage of Hope: a close-up of her face, playing outside with another small dog, resting happily in her crate, and snuggling with her foster mom on a red heart-print blanket, with a "Hope Update!" text sticker
    4. Starting to Prance

      September 14, 2026

      Hope is doing so well, and she truly has the most wonderful foster mom. We do think our sweet girl has some hearing loss and probably some vision loss as well — we're still waiting on the full diagnostics for her eyes, but in the meantime, Hope is scheduled for oral surgery this Friday to finally address those terribly infected teeth. But today, we just had to share something that made our hearts ridiculously happy: Hope is starting to prance. There is just something about watching a little senior dog, who hasn't always felt her best, start prancing through the grass that gets you right in the heart. Go, Hope, go. We'll keep everyone updated as we learn more about her eyes and get our girl through her dental surgery.

      Hope's foster mom sitting on the couch holding another small foster dog, with Hope resting against her lap, and on-screen text reading "Senior Poodle is getting ready for surgery"
    5. Surgery Done, and She Did Great

      September 18, 2026

      Today was Hope's turn — while Walter recovered at home from his own big dental surgery, sweet little Hope headed in for hers. And the news is great: her surgery went very well. She had 19 teeth extracted, leaving her with just one tooth — and like Walter, both of her upper canines had fistulas that needed repairing too. Her eye test came back normal for tear production, and she's now on special steroid eye drops to help with the inflammation. We're endlessly thankful for the vet staff who cared for her (and who don't want any recognition for it), and for her foster mom Susanna, who has been an absolute blessing through all of this. Hope's on her way to a brighter future — one tooth and all.

    6. Almost Ready for Her Glamour Shots

      September 22, 2026

      Hope is feeling so much better these days. Her foster reports she's incredibly loving and snuggly, and it's clear she's on the mend after her big oral surgery. She's still healing with some recovery ahead, but she's comfortable, loved, and in the best hands. After everything she's been through, watching her finally get to rest, heal, and be spoiled is pretty wonderful.

      Hope's foster dad leaning down to nuzzle her while she's wrapped in a paw-print blanket on a recliner
    7. Three Weeks Later

      September 29, 2026

      Three weeks. That's all it took to start seeing this precious senior come back to life. Hope came to us with significant health problems and desperately needed medical care, but before we could help her, she needed somewhere safe to recover. Then Susanna said yes. Because she opened her home, we were able to pull Hope from the shelter and get her the care she desperately needed, and we're incredibly fortunate to have a veterinary partner who has been extraordinarily generous with our rescue in helping cover her surgeries and treatment. Susanna has been an absolute angel — Hope doesn't spend even a second wondering whether she's loved. She's spoiled, doted on, comfortable, safe, and cared for exactly the way a senior dog deserves to be. And just look at the difference three weeks can make. Hope is well on her way to recovery. She's not quite ready for adoption yet, but we'll keep you posted as she continues getting stronger.

    8. Hope Is Thriving

      October 6, 2026

      We interrupt your scrolling for a very important Hope update. Just look at her. Hope has been quietly recovering in her foster home, and we had to give you a little sneak peek at how beautifully she's doing. Hope and Walter truly hit the foster-mom jackpot. Their foster moms have been patient, doting, loving, and completely devoted to giving these two tiny seniors exactly what they needed. We genuinely could not have asked for a better place for them to heal. And Hope? She is thriving. If you didn't see her when she first came to The Comeback Pack, look back through her earlier updates on this page. The difference is pretty incredible. This tiny lady still has plenty of life, and apparently plenty of fabulous hair, ahead of her. Hope will be available for adoption very soon.

      Hope, a tiny cream-colored senior poodle with a purple collar, sitting upright in a cozy dog bed with colorful blankets and looking at the camera
    9. Hope Is Ready!

      October 12, 2026

      As promised: Hope is ready! There are two reasons she looks so good: our amazing veterinary partners, and her foster mama Susanna, who has been sent from heaven. Susanna has pretty much single-handedly nursed Hope back to health, not to mention showering her with love and affection. We can't thank her enough. Hope even had a little spa day first, and she's looking every bit as good as she feels! Meet Hope: one tooth, a heart of gold, and a whole lot of life left to love! At an estimated 12 years young, Hope is a tiny senior poodle who is living proof that age is just a number. She's spry, playful, curious, incredibly smart, and she absolutely loves exploring her world. She has significant hearing and vision impairments, but she has adapted remarkably well, and when she realizes you're calling her, she'll happily come running. What makes Hope truly extraordinary is her heart. She doesn't just want a home, she wants to be part of someone's life. She wants to snuggle beside you, curl up for an afternoon nap, follow you around the house, and simply enjoy being loved. Her foster family can't say enough wonderful things about her. She's wonderful with dogs, cats and guinea pigs, and gentle and loving with kids and babies. She's potty trained, quiet, rarely barks, great on a leash, and an absolute little professional at grooming. She has just one little tooth remaining, so she enjoys soft food served in two small meals each day. Hope would be a wonderful companion for so many different homes, but we especially love the idea of her spending her golden years with a retired person or couple who would absolutely spoil her rotten. Hope has already been through so much, and now she deserves the very best chapter of her life. Somewhere out there is a person who needs Hope just as much as Hope needs them.

      Hope, a tiny cream-colored senior poodle with a floral bandana, lying on a tan carpet with one paw resting on a pink plush alligator toy
    10. She Stole the Show

      October 17, 2026

      She came. She strutted. She stole the show. And now she's looking for someone whose heart she can steal permanently! If you attended our costume contest, you probably remember Hope! She was a crowd favorite in her adorable little poodle skirt, and she soaked up every bit of attention like the tiny superstar she is. Hope may be a senior at an estimated 12 years old, but don't let her age fool you! She's spry, playful, affectionate, and full of personality. She's also an absolute dream of a companion: sweet, gentle, wonderfully well-behaved, and happy to make friends with just about everyone, including dogs, cats, and children. She loves snuggles, enjoys exploring, and is perfectly content to curl up for a cozy nap. She's even potty trained and rarely barks! Seriously, what more could you ask for? Hope is officially available for adoption and ready to trade her poodle skirt for a permanent spot in someone's heart.

    11. Hope Asks You to the Dance

      October 22, 2026

      Hope wants to ask you to the Sadie Hawkins dance! She's not too shy to make the first move. All you have to do is apply to adopt her, and we'll arrange your first date. At just 8 pounds and 12 years young, Hope is quite possibly the most delightful little lady you'll ever meet. She's incredibly intelligent, surprisingly spry, wonderfully snuggly, and an absolute joy to have around. She's great with other dogs, walks beautifully on a leash, and loves getting out and about. She's basically the whole package in a teeny-tiny poodle suit! Hope does have some vision and hearing impairment, but don't tell her that. She navigates life beautifully and doesn't let it slow her down. Her only real request? Someone who's home most of the day. Not because she requires special care, but because she's earned her golden years in the company of someone who adores her, and we don't want this sweet little lady spending her days alone. Hope is truly one of those dogs who makes you wonder how you ever lived without her. Will you say yes to Hope?

    12. Soaking Up the Sunshine

      October 28, 2026

      This is what rescue is all about: sweet Hope, soaking up the sunshine without a care in the world. We absolutely love seeing moments like this. A senior girl, completely relaxed, feeling safe and simply enjoying life, with no worries and no expectations, just warm sunshine, soft grass and a peaceful afternoon. At 10 to 12 years young, Hope deserves every moment of happiness we can give her. But you know what would make this picture even better? If she were sunbathing in the backyard of her very own forever home. Hope is a tiny, gentle senior sweetheart who asks for so little and has so much love to give. She's still waiting for someone to choose her. Could that someone be you?

      Hope, a tiny cream-colored senior poodle with a pink collar and a purple bone-shaped tag, lying with her eyes closed on sunny grass beside yellow dandelions
    13. The Perfect Little Lap Dog

      November 4, 2026

      The perfect little lap dog, without a lap to call her own. Our sweet Hope needs some attention! We think this little angel is getting overlooked, possibly because she's a golden girl, but people are missing out on something special. Hope may be a senior, but she has plenty of pep in her step, a fun little personality, and so much love to give. She's sweet, snuggly, affectionate, and gets along beautifully with just about everybody. We believe she has many wonderful years ahead of her, and she'd be a fantastic companion for a low-key senior or anyone looking for a sweet little sidekick. Please share Hope and help us get this golden girl noticed!

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