When Suzette Hall first heard the heartbreaking news about a small dog left tied to a fire hydrant in a Southern California neighborhood, her heart sank. Sadly, this wasn’t the first time she had come across a story like this. As the founder of Logan’s Legacy dog rescue, Hall had seen far too many animals abandoned in similar situations, and this case was no different. The tiny puppy had been deserted on the side of the street by a family that simply walked away. They left behind a small plastic container of food and water, perhaps to ease their conscience or create the illusion that they cared. But for the dog, none of that made a difference. According to the person who discovered her, the little pup hadn’t touched a single bite. Instead, she curled up tightly on the sidewalk, trembling, as if she hoped the world might overlook her entirely.
Hall desperately wanted to be there herself to rescue the pup, but she couldn’t get to the scene quickly enough. Every minute mattered, and she knew the fragile dog didn’t have time to wait. Acting fast, Hall reached out to a woman she knew who lived only a few blocks away. Without hesitation, that woman dropped everything and rushed to the spot where the dog had been tied. There she found her—an eight-month-old puppy who would later be named Cici. The small pup was wrapped so tightly around the hydrant that her leash had become a spiral of panic, binding her in place. She was confused, exhausted, and terrified.
Cici’s fear was overwhelming. When the woman knelt down to try to help, the puppy growled in defense, unsure of what this stranger intended to do. But Hall stayed on the phone, talking her through every step, offering encouragement and guidance. With patience and calm, the woman inched closer, speaking softly and waiting for Cici to feel safe enough to trust. Finally, she managed to untangle the leash and wrap the frightened dog in a blanket. For the first time, Cici was lifted out of the cold, harsh street and held gently against a warm chest. It was a small comfort in that moment, but what came next left Hall deeply concerned.
As they drove toward the vet, Cici’s fragile body began to give out. She trembled violently, then became sick. Hall suspected the combination of overwhelming stress, hunger, and dehydration had simply pushed her too far. Though food and water had been left behind, Cici had been too afraid to touch either. Her body had grown weaker by the hour, and now the toll was showing. Still, there was hope. The woman rushed her to Camino Pet Hospital just in time. The veterinary team moved quickly, administering fluids, wrapping her in warm blankets, and providing what she needed most—tender, unconditional care.
Slowly, the magic began to happen. Cici’s strength returned, little by little. “They monitored her, and then, all of a sudden, she was fine,” Hall remembered. “She finally started perking up.” It was nothing short of miraculous to watch the transformation. The terrified, frozen pup tied to a hydrant was now alert, cautiously wagging her tail at the people around her. With each passing hour, her walls came down, and she allowed herself to trust just a little more.
Among the many kind people she met at Camino Pet Hospital, one stood out the most—Hedy Herold, the office manager. From the start, a unique bond formed between them. Each time Hedy walked past, Cici’s tail wagged furiously, her whole little body lighting up with joy. “She gets so excited because she knows it’s Hedy,” Hall explained. That connection gave Cici something she desperately needed: comfort, security, and a sense of belonging.
During her recovery, Cici spent most of her days curled in Hedy’s arms. There, she rested peacefully, rebuilding her strength. The clinic became her safe haven, a gentle place where trauma began to fade. Then came the good news—Cici was finally healthy enough to leave the hospital and move into foster care.
The moment was bittersweet. Cici had become a beloved presence at the clinic, especially to Hedy, who cherished every wag and cuddle. But it was also a milestone worth celebrating. Moving to a foster home meant Cici had overcome her darkest days. Her foster family welcomed her eagerly, ready to give her the stability and love she had been missing. While it wasn’t yet her forever home, it was a step closer to a future filled with affection, routine, and safety—the basics every dog deserves.
Suzette Hall is determined to see Cici’s journey through. She knows how far the pup has come and how deeply she deserves a permanent, loving home. It is almost impossible to believe that this same little dog, once curled into a fearful ball beside a hydrant, could now be bright, affectionate, and hopeful again. Her spirit was never truly broken—only hidden beneath fear and abandonment. With every kind gesture, every soothing word, and every warm embrace, that spirit is shining again.
“She’s just so happy now,” Hall shared. “She’s as sweet as can be.” From discarded and forgotten to cherished and adored, Cici’s journey is a powerful reminder. Even the smallest, most vulnerable souls can overcome their darkest moments—if someone takes the time to stop, care, and offer them a chance.
