Many dogs face the toughest parts of their lives alone. Sometimes, a small act of kindness is all it takes to bring them comfort, but not every dog gets that chance.

For some, the closest thing to comfort comes from an object they hold dear. A single toy can become a source of safety and companionship, especially for dogs who have faced abandonment.

A university student in Waco, Texas, experienced this herself when she met a shelter dog who refused to let go of his beloved toy. The sight moved her deeply, and she knew she couldn’t leave him behind.

A Dog And His Toy

Brooke Reese, a senior at Baylor University, decided to foster a two-year-old Pit Bull mix named Squishy after learning he was high on the euthanasia list.

The shelter staff believed he might have cancer, and fostering of

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