When Kristin, a large mastiff who had endured severe trauma, was brought into the loving care of her foster mom, Jodi, it was immediately clear that she was carrying deep emotional scars. Fear dominated Kristin’s every move, and her response to the new environment was overwhelming anxiety. Jodi, an experienced foster caregiver, knew that Kristin’s journey toward healing would require immense patience and understanding. The once-timid mastiff had been through far more than anyone could fully comprehend, and it would take time, care, and consistency to help her regain trust.
From the moment Kristin arrived at her new home, she withdrew from everything around her. On her very first day, she found a corner of the room and stood there, completely avoiding any interaction with her new family. For hours, she wouldn’t move, staying perfectly still as though frozen in fear.
Jodi knew better than to force anything. She didn’t push Kristin to interact, nor did she expect her to immediately respond to affection. Instead, she took a gentle approach, ensuring Kristin’s basic needs were met. She provided food and water and made sure the environment was calm and quiet. The priority was to make Kristin feel as safe as possible.
The family approached Kristin’s care with tenderness, knowing that patience was key to helping her heal. Jodi explained, “My husband and I would take turns, spending anywhere from 10 to 12 hours a day just being near her. We wanted her to know that she wasn’t in any danger and that we weren’t going to make any sudden movements or try to force her into something she wasn’t ready for.”
This approach, though slow, was necessary. Kristin had been through too much to be rushed into anything. Instead of overwhelming her with attention, Jodi and her family would simply sit or stand near her, especially outside, allowing her to get used to their presence without demanding anything from her. They would talk softly, offering soothing words, but never trying to touch her unless she showed signs of comfort.
Weeks passed in this manner. Kristin would still isolate herself, often retreating to corners of the house or the yard, seeking refuge from the world around her. Jodi and her family continued to give her space, letting Kristin take her time. Every day was an exercise in patience and compassion, as they waited for any small sign of progress.
The breakthrough moment came after several weeks. For the first time, Kristin made the decision to step inside the house on her own. It was a small but significant step, one that Jodi recognized as a huge milestone. She was overcome with emotion, realizing that Kristin had finally started to trust her environment. “I cried,” Jodi admitted. “It was the first time I felt like she was beginning to understand that this house was a safe place and that we weren’t going to hurt her.”
But even though this was a monumental step in Kristin’s journey, there was still a long way to go. After entering the house, Kristin still sought out isolated corners, especially in the bathroom, where she would often hide. It was as if the bathroom offered her a quiet, confined space where she could feel somewhat protected from the unfamiliar world around her.
Over the course of the next few months, Kristin’s transformation continued, albeit at a slow and steady pace. Jodi and her family remained patient, knowing that each little step forward was a victory. The family had learned to celebrate the smallest moments—Kristin walking through the house without hesitation, staying in the same room as them for extended periods, or showing curiosity toward her surroundings.
One of the most significant moments came when Kristin, for the first time, approached Jodi’s husband. This small act of seeking affection was a huge step forward, and for the family, it was a moment of triumph. “When she walked up to him on her own, it was enormous for us,” Jodi said. “We had been waiting for that kind of progress for so long, and when it finally happened, we were overjoyed.”
Part of Kristin’s healing process also involved bonding with the other dogs in the household. Jodi’s home had several other foster dogs, and it seemed that their presence played a role in helping Kristin build her confidence. Seeing the other dogs interact with Jodi and her husband, and watching them receive love and care, likely showed Kristin that she, too, could trust these humans. Gradually, she started to join in with the other dogs, playing with them and even seeking comfort in their company.
As Jodi learned more about Kristin’s background, she came to understand just how much trauma Kristin had endured. Kristin and three of her mastiff siblings had been rescued from an abusive and neglectful environment. Jodi shared details of Kristin’s past on her foster page, revealing that the conditions the dogs had been living in were horrendous.
“Charges were filed for extreme cruelty and neglect,” Jodi explained. “Kristin and her siblings were found in deplorable conditions. Rescue organizations stepped in, and BDHP (Big Dogs Huge Paws) was able to save four of them. Another rescue took the fifth sibling. They were all placed in foster homes and are working through their trauma.”
The horrific environment Kristin had come from explained much of her initial fear and mistrust. Having endured severe neglect, she had no reason to believe that humans could be kind or trustworthy. But under Jodi’s care, she was slowly starting to learn that not all humans were the same.
Kristin’s siblings, who were also placed in foster homes, faced similar challenges in their healing journeys. But for Jodi, watching Kristin’s slow transformation was a testament to the power of patience, love, and compassion. The road was long, but with each passing day, Kristin was becoming a more confident and joyful dog.
The original plan was for Kristin to eventually be adopted once she was ready. However, as time passed, Jodi and her family realized that Kristin had already found her forever home. The bond between Kristin and her foster family grew stronger with each day, and they knew they couldn’t part with her.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Kristin became what’s known as a “foster fail,” a term used in the rescue world when a foster dog ends up being adopted by the foster family. It was clear to everyone that Kristin belonged with Jodi’s family, and they officially adopted her, making her a permanent part of their lives.
“It’s been over a year now since Kristin found her forever home with us, and she’s doing amazing,” Jodi shared with a smile. “She’s blossomed into the sweetest, happiest girl, and we couldn’t imagine life without her.”
Rescuers swooped in, but when they got the pup into their care, she had lost the use of her back legs, was struggling to breathe, and weighed just around 20 pounds.
Kristin has not only found healing and happiness, but she has also helped other foster dogs that have come into the home. Her presence has had a calming and encouraging effect on them, and she has become a source of comfort for the new fosters who are beginning their own journeys of recovery.
Kristin’s story is a beautiful example of how patience and love can transform even the most frightened and broken spirits. What started as a fearful dog hiding in the corner has blossomed into a joyful, affectionate, and confident companion, proving that with time, compassion, and the right environment, healing is possible.
Please ‘SHARE’ to pass on this story to a friend or family member
Click ‘SHARE’ below to pass it on to a friend or family member!
The post Mastiff Hides in Fear for Weeks Until Woman’s Care Brings Her Out The Corner appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
via Whisker Therapy