Alone on a cracked patch of cement, a white dog named Buckley stared up the street from where he was left tied to a pole in Santa Monica, California. For days, the gentle dog waited for someone to notice him, hoping they might take him somewhere safe.

One day, a local rescuer passing by noticed Buckley’s big brown eyes. She couldn’t believe the 6-month-old husky puppy was alone without food or water. She knew she had to help.

Soon, Buckley was off the streets, safe in the expert hands of Love Leo Rescue.

Meeting the pup for the first time, rescuers felt moved by Buckley’s warmth and resilience.

“Buckley is an exceptional dog,” Love Leo Rescue director Sasha Abelson told The Dodo. “He is well balanced and loving and didn’t let his previous experiences change his lovely personality.”

The wayward pup eventually moved in with a foster family. Lately, he’s enjoyed spending lots of time outside with his new friends.

“Buckley is a typical, happy-go-lucky husky,” Leo said. “He loves playing with his dog friends and learning new skills. He loves going for hikes and also cuddling near his humans. He is just a perfect family dog.”

For now, Buckley is still searching for his forever home, hoping his family finds him soon.

“Buckley would love to go into a home that is active and preferably a home with another playful, balanced dog,” Leo said. “We think a dog brother or sister would be wonderful for him.”

With any luck, Buckley won’t be waiting very much longer.