Shelter Dog Hugs Everyone She Meets, Hoping Someone Will Take Her Home
Zar was featured on The Dodo on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026.
“I’ve never met a dog like this …” 🥹
By Ashley Ortiz
The Dodo
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm hug from your best friend. And at The Animal Foundation (TAF), a 5-year-old pup named Zar is making sure that everyone gets at least one tight squeeze a day.
From the moment Zar, a white pit bull mix, walked through TAF’s doors, she instantly stole staff members’ hearts. She may not have had a home at the time, but she knew just how to connect with the people around her.
“Her entire personality revolves around hugging,” TAF’s Kelsey Pizzi told The Dodo. “All she wants, all day long, is hugs. Full-body hugs from anyone she meets.”
Zar’s hugs quickly became a staple part of staff members’ daily routines. And while other pups at the shelter were affectionate in their own ways, Zar’s hugging obsession was unlike any other.
“She presses herself into people and completely melts into them — and will happily stay there as long as you’ll let her,” TAF wrote on their website. “Because of this, we’ve started calling her ‘The Hugging Shelter Dog.’”
Of course, Zar enjoyed other activities around the shelter, like playing with her fellow residents and scarfing down snacks. But her favorite moments were the ones spent quietly nuzzling her trusted caregivers.
“Zar is a total love muffin whose second favorite place in the world is resting her chin right in your hand,” TAF wrote. “She’ll gaze up at you like you’re her whole universe — and honestly, it’s impossible not to melt.”
Zar’s hugs bring a daily comfort to shelter staff and volunteers, but they are distressed by one issue: The sweet pup still needs a home, and no one seems to want her.
You can watch Zar hug her friends here.
Sadly, Zar has been frequently passed over by potential adopters, but her caregivers haven’t given up hope. They continue to post Zar online, hoping that the right family will find her.
“She is friendly, curious and always ready to make someone smile,” Pizzi said. “Whether she’s napping in a cozy spot, going for walks or just keeping you company, she does her best to be a loyal and loving friend.”
TAF’s staff members are hopeful that Zar’s perfect match will come along soon, and they refuse to stop searching. Until then, they’ll keep soaking up every hug their special friend has to give.
“I’ve worked at my shelter in Las Vegas for six years, and I’ve never met a dog like this,” Pizzi said. “Our entire team is obsessed with her.”
You can inquire about adopting Zar here.
To help pups like Zar get the care they need, you can donate to The Animal Foundation here.