On a quiet street corner in Southern California, an 8-month-old puppy waited alone. Tied tightly to a fire hydrant with only a container of food and water beside her, she seemed too heartbroken to even lift her head. Her family had abandoned her — and she didn’t understand why.

This little dog, later named Cici, stayed curled up in a ball, refusing to touch the food left behind. She was waiting, not for a meal, but for someone to notice her and give her the love she had lost.

A Call for Help

When animal rescuer Suzette Hall, founder of Logan’s Legacy, heard about Cici, she was devastated — but not surprised. Hall had already saved several dogs from that same street. Abandonment was becoming all too common.

Hall wanted to rescue Cici herself but couldn’t get there quickly enough. So, she called a trusted neighbor, asking her to step in.

“I called this woman I know who lives right by there and asked her to please go get the pup,” Hall explained.

The woman rushed to the scene, and there Cici was — twisting anxiously around the hydrant, her leash tangled, her spirit nearly broken.

Untangling Fear

At first, Cici growled when the woman approached. She was confused, scared, and unsure if she could trust a stranger. With Hall guiding her over the phone, the neighbor patiently worked to untangle the leash.

Finally, with slow, gentle movements, she wrapped Cici in a soft blanket, scooped her up, and cradled her close. For the first time, Cici felt safe.

But on the ride to the vet, her health took a turn.

“She got so sick in the car,” Hall said. “We think it was from fear and lack of food and water since she was too scared to eat the food they’d left.”

Emergency Care at the Hospital

The woman drove straight to Camino Pet Hospital, where Cici was rushed in for fluids and emergency care.

Thankfully, after careful monitoring and love from the staff, Cici began to perk up.

“They monitored her, then, all of a sudden, she was fine,” Hall said. “She finally started perking up.”

In just a short time, Cici went from weak and scared to wagging her tail again.

A New Friendship

At the hospital, Cici met many new friends, but one bond stood out: her connection with Hedy Herold, the office manager.

“Whenever Hedy walks by her, Cici starts wiggling her tail,” Hall shared. “She gets so excited because she knows it’s Hedy.”

Most days, Cici could be found curled up in Hedy’s arms, soaking in comfort and affection as she recovered.

Ready for a Second Chance

After receiving a clean bill of health, Cici was cleared for foster care. She would soon leave the clinic to join her temporary family — a safe place where she could begin her new chapter.

But her journey isn’t over. This resilient little pup is still waiting for a forever home — one where she’ll never have to feel abandoned again.

Final Thoughts

Cici’s story is heartbreaking, but it’s also a story of resilience, kindness, and hope. From being tied to a fire hydrant and left behind, to finding safety in the arms of caring strangers, she has proven just how strong and forgiving dogs can be.

Now, thanks to rescuers and community support, Cici has the chance to find the love she deserves.

Her journey reminds us of one powerful truth: rescue changes everything.