Family Rejects Rescue Dog Over “Bad Breath” But Millions Rally Behind Him

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Toothless the Pomeranian Returned After One Hour Finds Global Support and Compassion

When a family in Kota, India, adopted a tiny rescue dog named Toothless from Mission Paws, everyone believed it was the perfect ending to an incredible survival story. The four-year-old toy Pomeranian had already endured tremendous suffering before finding safety at the shelter. But just one hour after adoption, the story took a heartbreaking turn when the family returned him, claiming his mouth smelled bad.

“They said the entire room was full of his foul mouth smell. They wanted to return him ASAP, and we agreed, of course,” said Tanya Singh, co-founder of Mission Paws, during an interview with Newsweek. “I couldn’t understand why he was being rejected after everything he did to miraculously survive.”

Only weeks earlier, Toothless had been rescued from a factory where he had been hiding among machinery. Workers discovered the frightened, fragile dog and called for help. When Singh and her team arrived, they found him in terrible condition, his fur burned and bitten, his arm broken, and his mouth infested with maggots. Weighing only a few kilograms, he was so small that he could fit in a handbag.

His name, Toothless, came from the fact that most of his teeth were missing, and his lower jaw was slightly smaller than the upper one. The shape left a small gap that caused a mild odor, a harmless condition that Singh said could easily be managed with regular brushing. Unfortunately, the adopters were unwilling to continue the care he required.

“The adopter was hyperfocused on his breed and size, even though they cared for street dogs, which is why we trusted them,” Singh explained. “They acted ignorant toward Toothless’ history of abuse.”

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Singh shared Toothless’ story on Instagram with the caption, “They returned him in one hour.” The post quickly went viral, gaining thousands of reactions and messages of support from around the world. Many followers expressed disbelief that someone would reject a dog so quickly after adoption, while others offered words of love and encouragement. “Giving back a dog because they have bad breath is not acceptable,” one user commented. “I bet their breath wasn’t so nice either.”

Toothless’ story spread far beyond India, inspiring a wave of compassion. Adoption offers began arriving from across the country and even internationally. Tanya Singh said the overwhelming response gave the team hope and reminded them of the goodness still present in people everywhere.

Today, Toothless is thriving at Mission Paws’ rehabilitation center. He enjoys short walks, gentle cuddles, and spending time with volunteers who shower him with affection. “His only requirement is patience and attention,” Singh said. “He loves following humans around and snuggling close. He gets scared around bigger dogs, but he’s never barked or growled. He just wants love.”

Despite being rejected so quickly, Toothless’ resilience and sweetness have turned his story into one of hope. The little dog who was once left behind has now become a symbol of kindness, reminding people that true love sees beyond flaws. From heartbreak came an outpouring of compassion, proving that even the smallest animals can inspire change and bring people together in extraordinary ways.