A Lonely Beginning

Faith’s life started with heartbreak. At only 18 months old, she found herself abandoned to the backyard after giving birth to an unexpected litter. Left in a dirty crate, she watched the world go by from behind cold metal bars. Each bark from the neighborhood felt distant, each night colder than the last.

One compassionate neighbor, unable to ignore the sight any longer, reached out to Happy Paws Rescue. That call would change everything.

The Day Everything Changed

Through the rescue’s network, Faith was matched with Kaitlyn Marcinkowski, a foster known for her patience and big heart. When Kaitlyn first saw Faith, she noticed the dog’s trembling body and eyes clouded with fear. Faith refused to walk — not from stubbornness, but from sheer terror.

So Kaitlyn did the only thing that felt right: she carried Faith inside.

“Carrying her was more than just helping her move,” Kaitlyn explained. “It was showing her that she didn’t have to face the world alone.”

Small Steps, Big Victories

For days, Faith clung to her crate, too frightened to explore. She didn’t eat, wouldn’t go outside, and froze whenever someone moved nearby. But Kaitlyn and her family never rushed her. Instead, they whispered encouragement, offered gentle pats, and celebrated every tiny step forward.

Then, one night, Faith surprised everyone by hopping onto Kaitlyn’s bed. That moment marked the beginning of her transformation. From then on, she started trusting, cuddling, and even wagging her tail — things she had long forgotten how to do.

Discovering Joy

Now, Faith runs into the yard not with fear, but with joy. Her favorite game? Rolling onto her back in the grass, paws in the air, waiting for endless belly rubs. The dog who once shook at every sound now struts proudly, enjoying the sun on her face and the comfort of human love.

Kaitlyn jokes that Faith still insists on being carried sometimes, striking her best “princess pose.” But to her foster family, it’s not a burden — it’s a reminder of how far she’s come.

A Future Full of Hope

Faith is still waiting for her forever family, but her story already shines as a beacon of hope. She is proof that patience, kindness, and love can turn fear into confidence.

Once a frightened pup “too scared to walk,” Faith now embodies her name — living proof that trust can be rebuilt, and joy can be found again.