People often assume that giant dog breeds are fearless protectors, sometimes even aggressive, but the truth couldn’t be more different.
Despite their imposing size, large dogs are just as vulnerable to neglect, trauma, and cruelty as any other pup. Kristin, a massive Mastiff girl from Oklahoma, proves this perfectly.
Instead of living a life of strength and confidence, she was so deeply afraid of people that she would hide whenever someone came near her. And heartbreakingly, she had very good reasons for her fear.
She Hid In Every Corner
Kristin’s story begins with tragedy. She was one of many dogs caught in an animal cruelty case in Oklahoma, where she and dozens of others were starved, neglected, and deprived of water by their abusive owner.
Many dogs didn’t survive, but Kristin, along with just a handful of others, was discovered and rescued by law enforcement.
Although she was finally safe, the damage was already done. Kristin was terrified of humans. That’s when Big Dogs Huge Paws stepped in to give her the specialized care she needed. Still, what she really longed for was a safe, loving home where she could finally begin to heal.
Enter Jodi Lum and her husband — seasoned foster parents with over a decade of experience.
“She was terrified. She ducked in a corner. She was just trying to find a corner to hide in. She wanted nothing to do with people,” Jodi told The Dodo.
From the very beginning, Jodi and her husband made it their mission to show Kristin that not all humans would hurt her.
They gave her food and water from a safe distance and spent long hours nearby just so she could get used to their presence.
“My husband and I would sit out there taking turns anywhere from 10 to 12 hours a day and just let her know we’re not gonna do these sudden movements,” Jodi explained.
After weeks of patient work, something beautiful happened: Kristin finally took a treat from their hands. For the first time, she reached out to trust her new humans.
A Transformation To Melt Hearts
Within a month, Kristin was already a different dog. Slowly but surely, she began to relax. Instead of cowering in corners, she sought out her foster parents for cuddles and attention.
She even discovered her favorite spot in the house — a cozy bed right by the fireplace. There, she would stretch out and watch the flames, finally at peace.
Kristin’s healing journey also revealed her gentle, nurturing side. She bonded with everyone in the household, from the resident pets to the new fosters who came and went. Kittens, puppies — it didn’t matter. Kristin welcomed them all and quickly became the household’s “big sister.”
It was clear she was no ordinary foster dog. She wasn’t just surviving anymore — she was thriving.
Her transformation was so profound that Jodi and her husband couldn’t imagine letting her go. After everything Kristin had endured, she had become an irreplaceable part of their family.
From hiding in corners to curling up happily in her dad’s arms, Kristin’s journey is nothing short of miraculous. Today, she not only enjoys her own forever home but also continues to help her foster parents care for other rescues who need the same love she once did.
“Being able to love on her now is the most rewarding and sweetest thing for me,” Jodi said.
Kristin’s story is a reminder that no matter how broken or traumatized a dog may seem, patience, love, and compassion can truly change everything.
Once a frightened Mastiff who had every reason to distrust humans, she is now a shining example of resilience — a gentle giant who has found both healing and purpose.