Hope is a little Maltese with a big heart and a past we can only imagine. At just over five years old and weighing only 5 pounds, she has already experienced more than most dogs. When she arrived at rescue, her left eye was badly infected and had to be removed. Fortunately, she has since healed beautifully and has been spayed, with her teeth cleaned, officially making her a healthy girl. Now, Hope is ready for the loving family she truly deserves. She needs a patient home where she can feel safe and cherished. This gentle girl enjoys having her head and belly rubbed, but when she's had enough, she'll wander off to find a quiet spot to relax. While she could be the only pet in the home, Hope would also be happy with another small, gentle dog. Large dogs can make her uneasy. Loud noises, like vacuums and thunder, scare her, so she is still learning to navigate the world without fear. Hope uses potty pads and will go outside in a securely fenced area. She's new to leash walking and tends to freeze, but her foster family is working with her. In addition, she’s learning "sit" and she’s doing wonderfully! Hope is food motivated, so if you have a tasty treat, be ready for her to perform a little song and dance to earn it. She doesn’t need a perfect family; she just needs a patient one—someone willing to show her that gentle hands, soft voices, warm beds, and unconditional love are what life should be. She has survived the hard part and now needs someone to help her discover how beautiful life can be. Could you be Hope’s forever? Ready to fall in love? Hit apply and let's get started.