Our dogs enjoy lives full of comfort, with a warm bed, a secure roof over their heads, and a family to call their own. While some have had a smooth path to love and care, others have faced difficult journeys, fighting for the happiness and affection they deserve. We can only wish that every pup finds their piece of happiness, regardless of where they begin. Consider the dog in this story, for instance. His start wasn’t easy, but with the help of compassionate humans, he finally got the chance he needed!

Experienced rescuer Rosario Ortiz keeps an eye out for stray dogs in her community. She’s become accustomed to helping dogs in difficult situations, but one recent find in her Los Angeles neighborhood truly touched her heart. Near the train tracks, Rosario spotted a fluffy off-white Pomeranian curled up with nowhere else to turn. It seemed as though the railroad had become his home, and a large industrial storage container nearby served as his makeshift bed.

“Thank goodness Rosario noticed him under the container, so small and curled up,” shared Suzette Hall, founder of Logan’s Legacy 29, on Facebook. Rosario quickly contacted Hall for assistance, and soon, Hall was speeding toward the tracks. When she arrived over an hour later, she found the little dog in the same spot, sleeping under the container, just as Rosario had described.

Hall set up a trap with warm food to lure the pup out, then stepped back to let him investigate. As hoped, the hungry dog crawled out from under the container, heading toward the food. But as he approached, a passerby accidentally startled him, and he bolted away. Both Hall and Ortiz jumped into action, following him closely in their cars as he dashed along the tracks. Eventually, they managed to guide him into a fenced-in area, where they used baby gates to block his only way out.

The rescuers moved slowly, closing in until they could finally reach down and secure the frightened pup. Ortiz gently lifted him into her arms, and they both felt a surge of relief and accomplishment. As Hall later placed the dog, whom they named Marshmallow, into her car, she noticed how calm and exhausted he was, barely able to keep his eyes open.

“The best part was [when] he knew he was safe,” Hall wrote. “He could hardly keep his eyes open and laid all the way [in the] back of the trap. He didn’t have to live on the railroad tracks or sleep hiding under that trailer ever again. He was rescued.”

Hall took Marshmallow to Camino Pet Hospital, where he was given a thorough bath and checked by the vet. After a clean bill of health, he was sent to a foster home, where he quickly began to decompress and thrive.

“Marshmallow is the biggest cuddle bug ever,” Hall said to The Dodo. “He is beyond happy to be saved. He just cuddles into your arms.” Now, Marshmallow is enjoying his new life, awaiting his forever home where he’ll never have to live on the streets again.