Most dog parents understand that bringing a pup home means they are making a lifelong commitment. Whether the pup is struggling with training or other behaviors, it is the owner’s job to work with them. Through hardships and struggles, these dogs need consistency. However, sometimes things happen, and pets need to be rehomed. If this is the case, it should be done with as smooth of a transition as possible. But the pup in this story was terrified, and it was all because her owner lacked sensitivity when he no longer wanted her.

In South Africa, a dog was living outside her home. While it isn’t clear why her owner didn’t want her anymore, he went about it in a horrible way. It’s possible the owner thought leaving her outside may capture someone’s attention as they walked by. This irresponsible method was traumatic and unkind.

Sidewalk Specials stepped in when they heard about this unfair treatment. When they arrived, the dog was too skittish to allow the volunteers to touch her. She continued to dart away from them. But with persistence and love, one woman was finally able to pick her up. The woman decided to foster her and brought her home.

Once she arrived, the dog hid in a bookcase, terrified of her surroundings and the new person caring for her. Her foster mom tried to win her over with soothing words. Her foster mom explains in the video below, “She just wanted to make herself invisible by hiding in corners.”

As time went on, the dog became more comfortable, and her foster mom celebrated each breakthrough. From the beginning, the pup was good with other dogs but had lost trust in humans since they had let her down before.

After three weeks, a potential family came to meet her. Their bond was instant! It was as if she was reborn the moment her parents came into her life. She showed her joy through tail wags and smiles. The pup now has a stable home with doggy siblings and humans who dote on her constantly.