Inevitably, from the moment a dog is rescued from a puppy mill, his life gets incrementally better. Because puppy mill dogs’ lives begin in cages, they don’t have many experiences outside the cage—at least, not many that are pleasant. Think about it, if you’re a dog born in a puppy mill, life pretty much consists of sitting in a cage day and night unless the breeder removes you to administer vaccines, to move you to another cage, to place you in with another dog for breeding, or sometimes to stage a photo of you looking adorable on a blanket so you can be sold over the Internet.

Now think about the day a dog, like Tito, is rescued from a puppy mill. Suddenly there are people around who want to dote on you—almost all the time. They make sure you have snugly beds, they comfort you when you’re scared, they give you new things like toys and treats, and seem to genuinely enjoy being around you. If you’re a dog like Tito, who has been hurting for a long time, you finally go to a veterinarian whose goal is to help fix you if at all possible. In essence, they treat you like a valued companion.

Now that Tito’s leg, which was most likely painful since he was born, has finally been taken care of, he’s made it one step further along that path to the sort of life that all dogs deserve. But his incremental improvements aren’t over yet…

If life at the sanctuary is more than Tito could have ever hoped for, a family of his own would really be hitting the jackpot.

Congratulations are in order; our Tito has found a home! He's finally where he should have been from the time he was a tiny puppy: in a loving forever home where he will always be treated as a companion, and never as a commodity. That's his new mom in the photo --- and more from his family next week!

November 10, 2009 : 11:05 AM ET
posted by: propinquity

Well leave it to GA to bring tears to my eyes once again! What wonderul news. God bless Titio and his new forever home! And God bless Best Friends!

November 9, 2009 : 8:53 PM ET
posted by: bellamicuore

I just got chills reading this. I've been routing for this guy ever since I saw him when I was at BF in September. I have two Italian Greyhounds at home, so I've been paying close attention to this beauty. Congrats to Tito and his new mom! And thank you to the Best Friends staff for, as usual, taking such good care of him.

November 5, 2009 : 6:07 PM ET
posted by: babs1171

YAY Tito! Congrats guy.....he looks so excited and happy in the photo. A very wonderful happy ending for all involved!

November 5, 2009 : 11:26 AM ET
posted by: watsonsmom

The pain is behind Tito now. I LOVE the picture, he seems to be all positive, looking ahead excited and happy! What a terrific post :)

November 3, 2009 : 12:25 PM ET
posted by: alex

Tito looks so happy with his new mom! Cheers!! xoxox

October 30, 2009 : 9:58 PM ET
posted by: Squeakie42

NO one could resist that sweet little face and those shining eyes. I bet Tito's in heaven, and I'm sure his new family is thrilled to have him. Everyone wins in this story! Happy trails to all of you!

October 30, 2009 : 3:19 PM ET
posted by: ODIE'SMOM

CONGRATS TO TITO & HIS NEW FAMILY. HE CERTAINLY DESERVES THE BEST COSIDERING WHAT'S HE'S BEEN THRU.

October 29, 2009 : 4:04 PM ET
posted by: sophistikathryn

Was this a world record? What wonderful news that this awesome little dude has found the home he's always deserved...

October 29, 2009 : 2:59 PM ET
posted by: watsonsmom

WOW that was fast (hardly a surprise with this cutie). Congratulations little Tito! The best is yet to come :)

October 29, 2009 : 12:01 PM ET
posted by: cathy corbin

I knew it! Way to go, Tito - I'm so happy for you. "The first day of the rest of your new life" has begun - congratulations to you and your family. It's wonderful to know you are loved for who you are and that you are in your own forever home.

October 29, 2009 : 10:12 AM ET
posted by: skya

Oh wonderful!!! Congratulations, little man! Life is just gonna get sweeter and sweeter! >^..^<

October 29, 2009 : 9:37 AM ET
posted by: wycheck fan

Such a sweeeet photo of Tito and his new mom! Wow - am really looking forward to the first report from his very own home. How happy it makes me to know he was rescued from almost certain doom and now found a wonderful new family. Congratulations, Tito! We'll miss hearing about your updates, but we'll cope! : )

October 29, 2009 : 9:31 AM ET
posted by: crazycatlady

Love this picture of Tito - he seems to be saying "really? all this? for me?" Congratulations to all involved, and have a wonderful start to your new life!

October 28, 2009 : 11:02 PM ET
posted by: mxipp

Congratulatons, little guy! You are off to a wonderful life now, Titio -- enjoy every moment of it!

October 28, 2009 : 7:26 PM ET
posted by: kjgtaylor

Yay, Tito!! Congrats to you and your family -- have a wonderful life!!

October 28, 2009 : 4:52 PM ET
posted by: zabadu

I'm so very happy for Tito, but very jealous! I wished I could have adopted him, but my dog is pretty happy being an "only". Good luck Tito!! You have a fantastic life ahead of you!

October 28, 2009 : 4:32 PM ET
posted by: Jkrogh

Yahooo!!!!!! Love it love it love it!!!!!!!! I know all dogs deserve a loving home, but ones like this are the ones that really pull at the heartstrings!!! Thank you to his new family and to the family he leaves behind at BF's I know he will be missed. Way to go Tito!!!! J

October 28, 2009 : 3:19 PM ET
posted by: roberthb

happy day indeed!!! You deserve the best Tito - enjoy your new life friend....