What began as an ordinary day quickly turned into a life-changing moment for Lilia Toscano when she noticed a rubber tote bag sitting on the roadside near her Detroit home.
Something about it didn’t sit right. Acting on instinct, Toscano went outside for a closer look. As she approached the container, she noticed it had been sealed with tape.
When she opened the tote, she was met with a heartbreaking sight — a terrified dog trembling inside, staring up at her with wide, frightened eyes.
The pup was too scared to move, so Toscano called on her neighbor for help.
Frozen In Fear And Unsure Who To Trust
Toscano’s neighbor carefully lifted the frightened dog and brought him indoors. Hoping to get him the help he needed, they contacted P.O.E.T. Animal Rescue, based in Westland, Michigan, and explained what had happened.
Because the pup, later named Kendrick, was so still, the pair feared he might be injured.
A board member from P.O.E.T. quickly arrived at the house to pick Kendrick up and take him to a veterinary clinic for evaluation.
Fortunately, X-rays revealed that Kendrick had no physical injuries. The reason for his stillness wasn’t pain — it was deep-rooted fear.
The veterinary team gently comforted him. One technician took time to sit with Kendrick and talk softly to him, helping him feel safe.
Gradually, Kendrick responded to their kindness. He began to trust them, lowering his guard for the first time.
Though no one knew exactly what he had endured, it was clear that Kendrick had faced serious trauma. He would need a loving foster home to help him heal — one that could offer him the affection and security he so badly needed.
Kendrick Meets His Foster Angel
When Lauren Boesen, another board member at P.O.E.T., learned about Kendrick’s situation, she knew she had to help. Without hesitation, she drove to the clinic to bring him home.
At first, Kendrick tried to retreat from her. His fear was still strong.
But Boesen was patient. She sat on the floor beside him and used a soft, reassuring tone to make him feel safe.
“When I met him at the vet, he was hiding and very apprehensive. I sat on the floor with him and began talking baby talk to him and I saw a tail wag,” Boesen told The Dodo.
That small tail wag said it all — Kendrick was beginning to trust her.
He allowed Boesen to gently place a leash on him and walk him to her car. She comforted him along the way, letting him know he was safe now.
As they drove home, Kendrick stared out the window, watching the world go by — a glimpse of the new life ahead.
Once Kendrick settled into Boesen’s home, it became clear he had never learned how to just be a dog.
She offered him toys, but he didn’t know what to do with them. He didn’t understand affection, and he didn’t know how to give kisses.
Boesen gave him time. Slowly, Kendrick began to relax and explore his new environment.
He started to enjoy the warmth of cuddles and the simple joys of being loved.
Little by little, Kendrick blossomed.
“Over the last few weeks, he has grown now to love cuddles and pets. He also now loves to get picked up and run around in the yard. He absolutely loves running through the snow,” Boesen added.
Though he still has some emotional healing to do, Kendrick has come a long way. He’ll stay with Boesen until the perfect forever family comes along — one that will show him the love he’s always deserved.