Lilu was only supposed to be a temporary foster after a couple found her as a tiny puppy under construction debris, but she instead became a permanent part of the household with some adorable quirks.
Here's what to know
In a post on Reddit's r/rescuedogs, the original poster said they and their girlfriend found Lilu at a construction site, where she was "lying under a pile of debris."
They meant to foster her temporarily, but their small rental home didn't allow pets.
The couple initially kept Lilu from their landlord, then later admitted what was going on. The original poster said, "luckily, we managed to work things out," which allowed her to remain with them and turned the short-term plan into a forever home.
Over time, Lilu became what they called the "self-appointed guardian of our neighborhood" who "always stands up for us." They also said they had her spayed, treated "all her health problems," and taught her "a ton of commands."
One commenter wrote, "Awe what a great rescue, may she live a most excellent life!"
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"She definitely plans to, she's already got the best spot on the bed claimed," the original poster responded.
More background
Lilu expresses her love in some very cute ways. The couple said she "gets really sad when we leave, even if it's just for an hour."
In another grand gesture, Lilu brings their belongings onto the couch while they are out.
"Usually it's one of my slippers and one of my girlfriend's," the original poster shared. "Then she curls up with them and sleeps there until we come home."
Commenters said she looked "so happy, comfortable and at ease," and that they were glad she had found "a loving home with good owners."
The couple's decision to rescue may also have helped relieve some of the strain on a local animal rescue. Rescues do their best to support as many vulnerable pets as possible, but the sheer number of abandoned pets can make the task very challenging.
What can be done?
The story showed that rescuing a dog not only is a great move for the animal, but it can also be incredibly valuable for the humans involved.
"Honestly, I think she rescued us just as much as we rescued her," the original poster wrote. "Every day with her is a new memory, especially the slipper ones."
That isn't to say that the move didn't do wonders for Lilu, who faced an uphill battle as an abandoned puppy amid debris at a construction site.
"From a puppy under the rubble to the queen of our home," the OP reflected on the dog's journey.
Where can I learn more?
Lilu's story is familiar to many rescuers whose temporary saves become permanent bonds. Sometimes, though, finding a forever home takes longer.
• In Pasadena, an emaciated dog rescued from a parking lot found a forever home in a foster fail.
• After suffering for 10 years, a senior rescue dog was fostered and adopted into a loving home.
• In Honolulu, a foster volunteer answered a TV plea and adopted a bonded puppy pair.
• After 946 days in kennels, Rosie finally left with the behavior officer she trusted.
• A rescue dog named Charm found a forever home, and her family felt an instant connection.
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