
Every day is a battle for survival for homeless dogs as they scavenge for food and try to stay warm. The struggle intensifies for young puppies, especially those separated from their mothers, who are left to face the harsh realities of hunger and cold alone, holding onto the hope that a compassionate human will come to their aid.
The Tale of Little Ace
In a store parking lot, Ace, a tiny puppy, was trying to cope with the hunger and cold that gnawed at him. Missing his mother deeply, he sat there with a heart heavy with sadness. As shoppers passed by, he looked up at them with his big, sad eyes, silently pleading for someone to rescue him and offer him a warm, safe haven.


A Call for Help
Deanna Tsosie, a seasoned dog rescuer, was deeply moved when she received a call about a small black puppy alone in a parking lot at an Ace Hardware store. The caller, a compassionate member of the Navajo reservation, informed her of the puppy’s dire situation. “He is about 4–5 weeks old. He was supposedly dumped off there…,” Tsosie shared on her Instagram.
Concerned for the puppy’s wellbeing, Tsosie hurried to the store. Upon arriving, she saw the little puppy seeking shelter from the cold next to a parked car. As she approached to comfort him, the frightened puppy darted behind a nearby car’s tire to hide.


A Frightened Furball
Tsosie gently spoke to the puppy, reassuring him of his safety. Feeling the sincerity in her voice, the little one cautiously emerged from his hiding spot. Tsosie scooped him up and scanned the area hoping to find his mother or siblings, but unfortunately, he was all alone.
Holding the puppy in her arms, Tsosie looked into his sad eyes. Though he couldn’t speak, his gaze conveyed a silent plea for a loving home.
Rescue and Recovery
Determined to help the puppy find a family, Tsosie contacted Az Hidden Jem Rescue in Phoenix, Arizona. They immediately fell in love with him upon seeing the video of his rescue and agreed to take him into their care. They described him as looking “like a little bear and [being] just confused.”
The rescue swiftly arranged for his transportation to a veterinary clinic where he received a thorough medical checkup. The vet diagnosed Ace with mange and prescribed the necessary treatment.
A New Beginning in Foster Care


Ace was placed with a wonderful foster family through the Phoenix-based rescue. They welcomed him warmly and provided excellent care. Despite his treatment for mange, Ace didn’t let his condition dampen his spirits.
He quickly adapted to his new life, basking in the love and affection of his foster family. He enjoyed his days playing with his new siblings—a litter of adorable kittens. As Ace’s health improved, he began to look forward to finding his forever home, optimistic that he would soon capture the hearts of a loving family who would cherish him as he deserves.
Hope for a Brighter Future
As Ace continues his journey towards recovery and eventual adoption, his story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of animals and the transformative power of human kindness. His tale is just one of many, highlighting the critical need for compassion and action to aid vulnerable animals like him.
For those moved by Ace’s story, consider how you can make a difference. Whether it’s through fostering, adopting, donating, or volunteering, every little bit helps to save lives and offer animals like Ace a chance at happiness. With continued support and awareness, we can hope to see more heartwarming stories of rescue and recovery, giving many more animals a chance to thrive and find their own loving homes.