Kristen, a giant Mastiff, arrived at Jodi’s home terrified, unwilling to make eye contact with anyone. She sought refuge in corners, hiding herself under a child’s slide in the yard. Her eyes were full of fear, and her body trembled as she tried to avoid any interaction.
Jodi, her foster mom, recalls the first days vividly. “It was a disaster,” she said, heartbroken at how scared the dog was. Jodi’s husband and son spent hours sitting near Kristen, offering comfort but not forcing her to move.
“It’s okay,” Jodi whispered, her voice full of patience and love. They gave her food, water, and time, letting her know they wouldn’t hurt her. The days felt long, with Jodi and her family sitting outside for 10 to 12 hours, offering nothing but their presence. They let Kristen come to them at her own pace, showing her that they could be trusted.
Weeks passed. The quiet patience began to work. Kristen started to approach Jodi, just a little at first, but it was progress. “Good girl,” Jodi said softly as Kristen hesitantly came closer for a treat. Every small step was a victory.
One day, the impossible happened: Kristen walked through the door of the house on her own, as if she had finally decided it was safe. “I can’t even tell you how emotional that moment was,” Jodi said. “It brought tears to my eyes because I felt that she trusted me.”
Kristen’s progress was slow but steady. She still hid when things felt overwhelming, retreating to corners, especially in the bathroom. Jodi never rushed her. “Will you come lay by me?” she asked softly one evening, as Kristen, now more comfortable, laid down beside her. That was a new chapter in their journey together.
Kristen, once so terrified, began to heal. She shook hands with Jodi, a simple gesture that signified trust. She even received kisses from Jodi’s son, who kissed her neck gently.
Then one day, Jodi’s husband called her over. “Jodi, look at this,” he said. Kristen had gotten up from her bed and walked across the room to him, with no treats involved. “She just wants to be loved,” Jodi said, tears in her eyes. That was a huge milestone for Kristen.
Kristen’s favorite spot became the dog bed near the fireplace. She’d snuggle there, comforted by the warmth, watching the fire while Jodi lovingly petted her. Over time, Kristen learned what it was like to be safe, to be loved, and to trust again.
Kristen even went on long drives with her foster family, joyfully taking treats from the kids and playing with them. She had become an integral part of the family, and the love she now gave was a testament to the love she had received.
Two years later, Kristen still lives with Jodi and her family. They simply couldn’t let her go. She had become part of their hearts. Now, Kristen also cares for others, taking on the role of a foster mom to kittens and pups. She showers them with the same love she once needed.
Kristen, once a terrified Mastiff, now lives a life of love and care. She had found her safe place. And in doing so, she now shares that safety and love with others, proving that even the most fearful souls can heal and thrive when given the chance.
