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Rescuing a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world. There’s nothing quite like watching a scared, shy dog really come out of their shell! More often than not, rescue dogs are playful, happy pups! They just need someone to love them.

Luckily for one rescued Labrador Retriever mix, he found the most loving family. He has plenty of love, food, treats, and comfy spots to nap… But apparently, none of them is quite as comfortable as his own tail:

Ozzy the Lab Mix isn’t just sweet: he’s super handsome! His tail is very bushy indeed, and he’s an overall furry guy. He looks like he might be mixed with Malamute or something.

Related: Rare Corgi-Malamute Mix Is the Giant ‘Fluff Ball’ of Our Dreams

Ozzy was rescued in February of 2024. He was just a puppy, and we’re not sure exactly how he came to be in the shelter, but he’s so lucky. He was adopted by his now-mom, who has a nice apartment in Brooklyn. He’s a city boy!

Since his rescue, he’s definitely gotten bigger and fluffier, and he’s turned into a little bit of a brat. His mom even made a gallery wall of all the toys he’s torn up around the house:

He wants his ball back! She’d better get him another one, or her couch will be next!

Why Do Dogs Curl Up?

Some dogs love curling up when they take a nap. My dogs all sprawl out like whatever surface they’re sleeping on belongs to them… Even if it’s my bed that I’m also trying to sleep in.

Curling up helps conserve body heat, and it makes some dogs feel safer. For dogs who have homes, it’s just comfy. For stray dogs, though, curling up is a survival mechanism.

Curling up provides some safety for strays:

• It keeps their limbs and tail safe from being pulled or stepped on.

• It protects their vital organs.

Rescue dogs, especially those who spent some time on the streets, will usually curl up like that more frequently. It’s just a habit, and Ozzy’s bushy tail makes a perfect pillow!

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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Mar 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.