The morning started like any other. Kristin Erwin from Houston, Texas, was driving her son to his speech therapy appointment, not expecting anything out of the ordinary.
But what began as a routine trip quickly turned unforgettable when she spotted a flash of white moving in a roadside ditch. Acting on instinct, she pulled over to take a closer look.
She could not turn away from the small, helpless figure in the grass. Her heart told her she had to step in.
An Unexpected Friend
As Kristin got closer, she realized the white blur was a dog, a beautiful Labrador Retriever.
The dog seemed scared and unsure, so Kristin approached carefully, speaking softly to earn her trust. Her patience worked, and the dog slowly inched forward.
“She was really nervous,” Kristin told The Dodo. “She was very timid. You could tell she wanted attention. She wanted to be friendly — she was a friendly dog, for sure.”
When the dog finally calmed down, Kristin guided her into the car and took her home. She immediately checked for a microchip and posted online to see if anyone was missing their pet.
No one claimed her, so Kristin decided to foster her and gave her the name Maddie.
Finding Comfort In Safety
At her new foster home, Maddie received a full examination to ensure she was healthy. The vet found only a small cut on her leg, which was quickly treated.
At first, Maddie was quiet and unsure of her surroundings. With time and gentle care from Kristin, her son, and their other animals, including dogs and a cat, she began to settle in.
Soon, her playful side emerged.
“She loves toys, and she loves treats. I think all those positive things help a lot with her adjustment,” Kristin said.
Though Kristin grew attached to Maddie, she knew she could only foster her for a while.
A New Chapter Ahead
Maddie was the 38th dog Kristin had fostered that year, and she wanted to make sure this one found a perfect forever home.
She reached out to Paddy’s Paws, a rescue organization based in Fort Atkins, Wisconsin, which agreed to take Maddie and help her find a family.
With her sweet nature and gentle spirit, it likely won’t take long before Maddie is adopted. Thanks to Kristin’s compassion, the frightened dog from the ditch now has a bright future waiting ahead.