They say love has the power to mend even the deepest wounds, and Tiki proves it beautifully.
Once a withdrawn dog trapped in a hoarding case, Tiki slowly found the courage to embrace a new beginning. He traded cramped cages and shadowy corners for open yards, soft sleeping spots, and visits to dog parks.
His remarkable transformation has recently captured the internet’s attention, revealing how a timid pup can grow into a devoted snuggle companion.
What made it all possible?
An abundance of love.
From Fear To A Chance At Healing
Tiki’s early life was anything but easy. He was rescued from a hoarding case by a shelter in New York City, along with several other dogs. The conditions had left him emotionally scarred.
He was timid, withdrawn, and wouldn’t allow anyone to get close.
Instead of keeping him at the shelter, staff placed him with foster caregiver Isabel Klee in New York to help him decompress. That decision proved to be life-changing.
Though still wary of people, Tiki began to feel more at ease with each passing day.
Isabel’s daily video updates of Tiki quickly captured hearts online, including one viewer named Aubrie.
She decided to adopt Tiki and welcome him into her family. But the transition wasn’t simple. Tiki still had emotional hurdles to overcome, and Aubrie was committed to helping him through them.
During his first week in the new home, Tiki spent most of his time tucked under the bed. He barely ate or drank, and would flee anytime someone tried to approach.
Aubrie chose a gentle approach, giving him space and time to adjust.
Then one day, she saw him take his first bite from the bowl she had placed near the bed. That moment marked the beginning of his transformation.
Small Steps Lead To Big Breakthroughs
It took several weeks for Tiki to feel safe enough to venture out. When he finally did, Aubrie used cheese, his favorite treat, to create trails around the house.
Watching him walk freely was a milestone. For Tiki, it was a major accomplishment.
“I was looking forward to the behaviors that you take for granted in a dog. The jumping up on a bed, going for walks, all of these things are for most dogs table stakes. They all do it no matter what. But Tiki doing it felt like such a big deal,” Aubrie told GeoBeats Animals.
Eventually, Tiki’s true nature began to shine. Beneath the fear was a curious pup eager to explore both indoors and out. He just needed encouragement.
And he adored cuddling. He became inseparable from Aubrie, following her everywhere.
“I’ve just never had a dog like this who just wants to be glued to me. He follows me everywhere, I’ll catch him staring at me, looking at me. I am head over heels in love with him and I think the feeling is mutual,” says Aubrie.
Today, Tiki shares his home with two other dogs and is thriving.
Though he’s still learning, he’s come a long way from the scared pup hiding under furniture.
He runs, plays, eats, naps, and chooses adventure over fear. That alone is a remarkable achievement.