Many dogs find themselves in the care of owners who view them as mere tools, using them for work or breeding without a thought for their well-being.
Too often, these animals suffer neglect or mistreatment, left to endure conditions they don’t deserve. Their only hope lies in someone noticing their distress and taking action to help.
This was the case for Faith, a dog from New Jersey, who found her life changed thanks to a concerned neighbor and a group of dedicated rescuers.
Faith Finds Safety At The Shelter
When Faith gave birth to a litter of puppies, her owners quickly lost interest in her and relegated her to the backyard, where she was left alone. Her life was one of isolation, but that all changed when a compassionate neighbor took notice of her plight and reached out to rescue groups for help.
Happy Paws Rescue responded swiftly, offering Faith the second chance she so desperately needed. The rescue group’s volunteers could see that Faith’s previous owners had little regard for her, but fortunately, she was now in a safe environment.
Then, Kaitlyn Marcinkowski, a New Jersey woman, stepped in to foster Faith. She told The Dodo: “When [Happy Paws Rescue] asked if I could help, my answer was simple. Can I get her tonight?”
From the moment Kaitlyn met Faith, she could see how fragile the dog was. Faith was so terrified that she couldn’t walk on her own.
Without hesitation, Kaitlyn gently carried her into her new home, hoping that being cradled in the arms of someone kind would help her feel secure. Kaitlyn never rushed the process, understanding that Faith needed time to adjust.
In the early days, Faith rarely left her crate, too frightened to even go outside.
Kaitlyn remembers, ”She trembled around people, and she wouldn’t even use the bathroom for two whole days. It broke my heart to see such a sweet girl so scared of the world.”
Faith’s Remarkable Transformation
Kaitlyn’s approach was rooted in patience and love. She showered Faith with praise and positive reinforcement, allowing the dog to move at her own pace. This gentle approach began to break through Faith’s fear.
She continues by saying: “Our plan to earn her trust was simple – patience and positive reinforcement. We gave her space, let her set the pace and watched her cues.”
Gradually, Faith grew bolder. One day, she jumped onto the couch to snuggle with her foster mom, a small but significant step. Over time, she became more adventurous, venturing outside to play in the yard.
Faith’s love for the outdoors blossomed, and she would run joyfully in the yard, rolling in the grass and demanding belly rubs from her foster mom. What had once been a terrified dog had transformed into a confident, playful animal.
Under Kaitlyn’s care, Faith became the happy, secure dog she had always deserved to be. Now, her foster parents are hopeful that Faith will find a family who will cherish her as much as they have.
Kaitlyn believes Faith will easily adjust to a new environment and thrive in a home that treats her with the love and care she deserves.