Most pets don’t arrive with much. No toys. No treats. When Peanut arrived, she had no extra pounds to spare. Just wide eyes, a brindle coat dulled from malnutrition, and somehow, a wagging tail that somehow still trusted people.

She came to the Connecticut Humane Society in late October, after her family was forced to move out of their home. At five years old, this terrier mix was severely emaciated and just skin and bones under her patchy fur. But she still had enthusiasm for life. Peanut greeted every staff member with a full-body wiggle and a hopeful face, even as the veterinary team gently examined her frail frame.

There was no denying she was in rough shape. The veterinary team quickly put her on fluids, gave her an assortment of medical exams, animal care fed her high-calorie meals, and everyone made sure she was closely monitored. The team stabilized her and found her a dedicated foster family who could give her what she needed most: time, care, and love.

In foster care, Peanut began to shine, just as everyone hoped she would! She got regular, gentle baths to ease her irritated skin. She discovered how good it felt to be brushed, to be tucked in with soft blankets, and to curl up next to someone who cared. And she slowly but surely gained weight. Her once-dull coat became glossy, and her personality continued to shine right along with it.

But she wasn’t quite in the clear. Her skin allergies meant her spay surgery recovery was a little slower than expected. Peanut spent a little extra time in care to ensure she’d be fully ready for a new home. And through it all, she stayed sweet, wiggly, and eager for affection, never once complaining about yet another vet visit or the cone she had to wear afterward.

As she grew stronger, her zest for life became unstoppable. Peanut proved she was as playful as she was snuggly. She loved long walks, car rides, Nylabones, and every new person she met. Her foster family discovered she had the perfect mix of zoomies and couch-potato cuddles, and that she was always happiest when she had someone by her side.

By the time she was ready for adoption, Peanut wasn’t just healthy—she was glowing. And when the right person came along, she wiggled right into their heart the same way she had with everyone else.

Peanut’s journey to adoption was long. But she never gave up on people. And in the end, both CHS and her brand new family are making sure she never has to face another hard day alone.