When a dog spends its entire life mistreated, it eventually learns to expect the worst from people.
Pups like this do everything they can to avoid humans, hide away from the world, and, when necessary, even act out in defense of themselves.
This is the story of a small Frenchie who never got the life she deserved, leaving her unable to trust the humans who first tried to help her.
Terrified Pup At The Shelter
When Sunshine first came to the Ohio shelter, she was absolutely terrified. She shook constantly, tucked herself into a corner, and tried her hardest to disappear.
“For the first couple of days, all I could do was sit there in her cage and patiently wait for her to trust me. After about two weeks she would finally come up, smell my hand and allow me to pet her without shaking,” Joe, an Ohio rescuer, told The Dodo.
It took this sweet little girl two full weeks to gather the courage to test if her rescuers could really be trusted. To her relief, they could.
The Ohio shelter knew Sunshine needed a foster home where she could finally learn what it meant to be part of a family.
“She was kind of scared of us at first. She didn’t really want to come to us. And she was not in good shape. She was really thin,” said Tina, Sunshine’s foster mom.
Seeing how fragile she was, Tina’s heart broke. She also knew exactly what would help Sunshine blossom: kindness and attention.
Confident she could give her both, Tina brought her home.
Adjusting To Foster Life
“She was a puppy mill mama and everything was brand new to her. She would like to follow around my other dog to learn everything,” she added.
This poor girl had no idea how to behave in a home. When she first came across a bed, she didn’t understand what it was.
Even when she found a pile of toys, she couldn’t figure out what to do with them.
But as time went by, Sunshine started to learn. Before long, she was even having her very first zoomies.
“She was relaxed and trusting enough where she could be a dog,” said Tina.
One day, Tina was watching one of Joe’s videos when Sunshine wandered over and started watching too.
To Tina’s surprise, Sunshine lit up with joy. She had recognized the voice of the first person who ever showed her real kindness.
From that moment, every time Sunshine hears his voice, she can hardly contain her excitement. Wanting to give her a surprise, Tina decided to bring her to see Joe.
When the two were reunited, it was impossible to say who was happier: Sunshine, who got to see her friend again, or Joe, who saw just how much she had changed.
They spent time playing, enjoying treats, and soaking in each other’s company.
Final Word
It’s amazing how powerful love can be.
Sunshine went from a trembling dog too afraid to trust anyone to a happy pup who runs, plays, snacks on treats, and enjoys being around people.
Her quick transformation convinced both Joe and Tina that she’ll thrive in a forever home where she’s truly valued.
Good girl, Sunshine!