When Suzette Hall first heard the heartbreaking news about a small dog left tied to a fire hydrant in a Southern California neighborhood, she felt a familiar ache in her heart. Sadly, it was not the first time she had encountered such a story. As the founder of Logan’s Legacy dog rescue, Hall had seen too many animals abandoned in similar circumstances—and this case was no exception. The tiny pup had been deserted on the side of the street, left by a family that had chosen to walk away. They left behind a plastic container filled with food and water, perhaps in an attempt to soothe their guilt or give the illusion of care. But for the dog, none of that mattered. According to the person who had found her and made the call, the little dog hadn’t touched either. Instead, she had curled herself into a tight, trembling ball and rarely moved, as if trying to disappear into the sidewalk.

Hall wanted nothing more than to be there in person to rescue the pup, but she wasn’t able to reach the location quickly enough. Time was critical, and she knew the dog couldn’t wait. Thinking fast, Hall called a woman she knew who lived just a few blocks from the spot. The woman didn’t hesitate. She dropped what she was doing and made her way to the street corner where the small dog had been left. And there she was—an 8-month-old puppy who would later be named Cici. The puppy was tangled tightly around the hydrant, her leash wrapped several times over in a panic-induced spiral. She was trapped, confused, and clearly scared.

Cici’s fear was palpable. When the woman knelt down to try to free her, the pup growled defensively, uncertain about this new stranger and what might come next. But Hall was on the phone the entire time, offering encouragement and advice. With patience and calm, the woman slowly gained Cici’s trust. Eventually, she managed to untangle the leash and gently scoop the frightened dog up in a soft blanket. For a brief moment, she held her close, trying to offer some comfort before heading to the car. But what happened next left Hall deeply worried.

As they drove to the vet, Cici’s condition quickly declined. Her body trembled, and she became violently ill. Hall suspected it was a combination of overwhelming fear, dehydration, and hunger. Despite the food and water left for her, Cici had been too frightened to eat. Her tiny body was weakened, and the stress had clearly taken a toll. But time was still on her side. The woman got her to Camino Pet Hospital just in time, where the staff rushed to stabilize her. They administered fluids, wrapped her in warmth, and gave her what she needed most—gentle, unconditional love.

It wasn’t long before Cici began to show signs of recovery. The change was almost magical. “They monitored her, and then, all of a sudden, she was fine,” Hall recalled. “She finally started perking up.” The transformation from the terrified, shut-down puppy at the hydrant to the alert and slowly wagging dog in the clinic was nothing short of remarkable. And as she began to feel safer, Cici opened up even more to the people around her.

At Camino Pet Hospital, Cici met many kind-hearted people, but there was one person who stood out to her more than anyone else—Hedy Herold, the office manager. It became clear very quickly that a special bond had formed between them. Every time Hedy walked by, Cici’s tail would begin to wiggle with joy, her whole body seeming to respond with recognition and happiness. “She gets so excited because she knows it’s Hedy,” Hall said. The connection was undeniable, and it gave Cici a sense of comfort and belonging in a place that, while new, was filled with kindness.

While Cici waited to be medically cleared, she spent most of her days nestled in Hedy’s arms, resting peacefully and gaining strength. The hospital had become a temporary haven for her, a soft landing after the trauma she had endured. And finally, good news came: Cici was healthy enough to move on to foster care. She was ready to begin a new chapter with a temporary family that could give her the home environment she deserved while she waited for something even more permanent.

Leaving the clinic was bittersweet. Cici had become a beloved presence there, especially to Hedy. But it was also a moment of celebration, a clear sign that the little dog had made it through the worst. Cici’s foster family was excited to welcome her, and although it wasn’t her forever home just yet, it was a major step forward. It meant safety, affection, and the routine of normal life—things Cici had never truly experienced before.

Suzette Hall is determined to find the perfect forever home for Cici. She knows how far the pup has come and how deeply she deserves lasting love. Thinking back to the way she was found—curled up, frightened, and tied to a fire hydrant—makes it even more incredible to see the progress she’s made. Her spirit was never broken, just buried under layers of fear and abandonment. With every gentle touch, kind word, and warm embrace, Cici has found her way back to happiness.

“She’s just so happy now,” Hall said. “She’s as sweet as can be.” And indeed, this sweet little dog, once discarded like an afterthought, is now on a journey to find the love and family she’s always deserved. Cici’s story is a reminder that even the smallest, most vulnerable souls can overcome the deepest wounds—if someone is willing to stop, care, and give them a chance.