Shattered Trust, Broken Spirits
When a pup has been mistreated its entire life, it eventually learns not to trust any human, as it fears they might do the same.
These dogs will desperately try to avoid humans, hide themselves from the world, and, in extreme cases, even become violent in an attempt to protect themselves from further harm.
Today, we’ll explore the story of a little Frenchie who had not been given the life she deserved, resulting in her unwavering distrust of the humans at her rescue shelter.
A Terrified Trembling Soul
Image Source: Little But Fierce by The Dodo
Upon arriving at the Ohio shelter, Sunshine was completely overcome with fear. She constantly shivered, huddled in the corner, and tried to disappear from the world around her.
“For the first couple of days, all I could do was sit there in her cage and patiently wait for her to trust me,” recalls Joe, an Ohio rescuer.
“After about two weeks she would finally come up, smell my hand and allow me to pet her without shaking.”
A Glimmer of Hope
It took this sweet little pup two entire weeks to build up the courage and decide to see if her rescuers were truly her friends. To her delight, they were.
Recognizing that Sunshine needed more than just the shelter’s care, the team decided to find her a loving foster home, where she could truly experience what it meant to be part of a caring family.
At The Fosters
Image Source: Little But Fierce by The Dodo
“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.
Heartbroken by the pup’s condition, Tina knew that all Sunshine needed was love and affection to help her come out of her shell. Without hesitation, she welcomed the trembling Frenchie into her home.
A Whole New World
“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,” Tina explained.
This poor pup had no idea what to make of the simple joys of a normal household – from beds to toys, everything was a foreign concept.
Image Source: Little But Fierce by The Dodo
But as time passed, Sunshine began to understand her surroundings, and even experienced her first-ever zoomies.
“She was relaxed and trusting enough where she could be a dog,” Tina shared with joy.
Reunited with a Friend
One day, while Tina was watching one of Joe’s videos, Sunshine curiously came up to her and started watching as well.
Recognizing the voice of the first human who showed her love and affection, Sunshine couldn’t contain her excitement.
This prompted Tina to surprise the pup with a reunion with Joe, and the joy on both their faces was palpable. The two spent time playing, enjoying treats, and reveling in their reunion.
Image Source: Little But Fierce by The Dodo
A Transformed Spirit
Sunshine’s incredible transformation, from a trembling, terrified dog to a pup who loves to have fun, do zoomies, and spend time with her beloved humans, is a testament to the power of love and care.
Joe and Tina’s dedication to this young lady has convinced them that she is ready to find the forever family who will appreciate her just as she deserves.
Sunshine’s story serves as a reminder that with the right support, even the most broken spirits can be mended and given a chance to thrive.
Image Source: Little But Fierce by The Dodo