Sometimes a rescue dog’s name comes from a favorite toy or a quirky personality trait. In this case, it came from a smog shop.

Meet Smog, an 8-pound canine whose rescue story began at a vehicle smog station near Blackstone and Gettysburg avenues.

According to Mell’s Mutts, the tiny dog had been roaming around the business for nearly a year, making himself a familiar face in the area. One day, a friend of the rescue’s founder brought his car in for a smog check and noticed something troubling: Smog was wearing a collar that had become dangerously tight.

The friend asked if Mell’s Mutts could help, and it’s a good thing he did.

“The collar was definitely choking him,” the rescue said.

Now safely in rescue care, Smog is getting a fresh start. He’s already neutered, vaccinated, 4DX tested and protected with a flea-and-tick preventative. He’s also winning hearts with his tiny size and big charm.

Despite spending much of his life navigating the streets, Smog is known for getting along well with other animals. In fact, rescuers say one of his closest companions at the smog shop was a cat.

While Smog appears to have mastered life as a streetwise survivor, his next chapter will look very different. Mell’s Mutts says the little dog is accustomed to roaming and will need a home committed to keeping him safely indoors.

For now, the former neighborhood wanderer is trading traffic and tailpipes for comfort, care, and a chance at a forever family.

And yes, his name is staying Smog. After a year hanging around a smog shop, rescuers figured it was only fitting.

To adopt Smog or see other available dogs, visit Mell’s Mutts.

Prospective adopters must submit an adoption application for review to ensure the best match for each pup.