When you hear a story of a lost soul rescued, it’s hard not to be touched. This time, it’s the story of a little dog named Sugar who had been left on a busy California street, clinging to hope in a torn pink dress.

It was as if she was waiting for someone who would never return.

This heartbreaking scene caught the attention of volunteer rescuer Faith Easdale, who works with the organization Dream Fetchers. Faith first spotted Sugar sitting alone, looking lost and confused, and knew she had to act.

“I thought, ‘Oh no, poor little baby sitting and waiting,’” Easdale shared on Facebook.

“So I raced out there, and I didn’t see her. I always panic — praying they found [a] safe haven somewhere, but I continued to search. My friend met me, and we started asking people in the area.”

Locals told Easdale and her fellow rescuer that Sugar had been there for days, hiding in the bushes.

When Faith finally saw the tiny, sad figure huddled alone, she moved slowly, showing all the gentleness Sugar needed.

“I walked quietly, and there she was, the saddest sight,” she wrote. “We very quietly set baby gates around and I went in slowly. She was so scared.”