A Rough Beginning

Faith’s story began in heartbreak. At just 18 months old, this pittie mix gave birth to a litter of puppies she wasn’t ready for. Instead of compassion, her owners banished her to a dirty crate in the backyard. Day after day, she sat surrounded by loneliness, the muffled sounds of life happening beyond the fence a constant reminder that she didn’t belong.

But fate had other plans. A kind neighbor, unable to ignore Faith’s desperate eyes and faint whimpers, contacted a local rescue network. That’s how Faith’s journey shifted from despair to hope.

A Foster With Open Arms

Faith arrived at Happy Paws Rescue, where the team knew she needed more than food and shelter — she needed someone patient, experienced, and willing to rebuild her shattered trust. That someone was Kaitlyn Marcinkowski.

“When the rescue asked if I could help, my answer was simple,” Kaitlyn recalled. “Can I get her tonight?”

Faith was too terrified to even step out of the car. Instead of forcing her, Kaitlyn scooped her up and carried her gently inside — a small act that would change everything.

Learning to Feel Safe Again

The first days weren’t easy. Faith refused to leave her crate, trembling at the slightest movement. She wouldn’t eat, drink, or even use the bathroom. It was as though she had forgotten how to be a dog.

But Kaitlyn and her family refused to give up. With patience, quiet praise, and gentle encouragement, they showed Faith that she was safe. Slowly, Faith began to peek out of her crate, inch her paws forward, and one night, she bravely hopped onto Kaitlyn’s bed — asking for cuddles instead of hiding.

From then on, her progress bloomed.

Discovering Joy In The Small Things

Soon, the backyard became Faith’s playground rather than her prison. Instead of cowering, she rolled onto her back in the grass, begging for belly rubs. She started to wag her tail, chase toys, and even walk back inside on her own.

“She’s learning that the world isn’t something to fear,” Kaitlyn said with a smile. “It’s something to enjoy.”

One of Faith’s quirkiest habits now is flopping onto her back in the sun, demanding rubs like the “princess” she’s become.

Waiting For Forever

Faith is still waiting for her forever family, but her transformation is nothing short of inspiring. Once “too scared to walk,” she is now a dog who greets each day with a little more courage and a lot more love.

Kaitlyn jokes that anyone who wants to adopt Faith must be prepared to “lift and carry 50 pounds of princess beefcake.” Because while Faith can walk on her own now, she still loves being scooped up — a reminder of the moment when kindness first gave her wings.

After everything she’s endured, Faith deserves nothing less than a home where she’ll always feel safe, cherished, and adored.