We often overlook the critical role that foster care plays in the lives of rescued animals.
Having endured difficult circumstances before rescue, these animals can feel frightened, disoriented, and struggle to trust any humans that approach them.
Yet, when they enter a nurturing foster home with a compassionate individual who prioritizes their needs and displays patience and understanding, these animals can begin to experience the warmth of being a cherished family member.
This transformation is exactly what happened to a dog named Putri when she entered Kelly’s foster care.
A Difficult Past
Prior to being taken in by Kelly, Putri lived on the streets, deprived of care, food, and water.
As a result, she was severely malnourished, and her once beautiful coat had entirely fallen off.
When rescuers finally discovered her, they realized that immediate intervention was necessary for her survival.
Fortunately, rescuers found her quickly, and she was taken to the veterinarian.
Although she received excellent care at the vet, the doctors understood that her recovery depended on finding a warm, loving foster family willing to care for her. That’s when Kelly stepped forward.
“She was just utterly terrified, so they concluded that allowing her to recover in a home environment would be best. I offered to take her,” Kelly shared with The Dodo.
Life in Foster Care
Upon arriving at Kelly’s home, Putri was so frightened that her instinct was to conceal herself in a bush.
From that moment on, the bush became her sanctuary.
While Kelly felt uneasy about Putri residing in the bushes for three weeks, she recognized that forcing her out might be counterproductive.
“Initially, I placed food outside the bushes and saw that she was eating it,” she recalled.
As time passed, Kelly began sitting in front of the bushes with food in hand, leading to Putri eventually peeking out from the foliage to eat straight from her hand.
Still, Putri was not wholly convinced of her safety.
If she ventured out and spotted Kelly watching her, she would hastily retreat to her protective hiding spot.
“It took a considerable time, but she gradually learned to trust me. I realized this couldn’t continue – she couldn’t live in there indefinitely,” Kelly explained.
Kelly was also concerned about the impact of her own dogs, believing their cheerful nature might frighten Putri even more.
But, to her surprise, that was not the case!
A Remarkable Change
One morning, when Kelly went out to check on Putri, she was taken aback to see Putri joyfully playing with her other dogs.
This was a significant breakthrough for Putri. She began to emerge from her shell and even ventured inside the house in the evenings to explore before returning to her beloved bushes.
“The first time she lay down on her side, exposing her stomach, it was an indication that she truly felt safe and relaxed. But I think her biggest achievement was being able to leave the house and go for walks,” Kelly noted.
Putri relished her walks and enjoyed exploring the outdoors. She had finally gained the confidence to run freely and feel like a genuine dog.
And each time she returned home, Putri would unleash a tremendous burst of energy!
Kelly believes her other dogs played a pivotal role in Putri’s transformation, serving as role models and showing her what it truly means to be a dog.
Putri transformed from a frightened pup hiding in the bushes to a dog eagerly waiting for her human companion to return home, ready for pets and cuddles.
Her fur grew back, she gained a healthy weight, her confidence soared, and she embraced life with excitement!
A heartfelt thank you to Kelly for being such a patient and committed foster mother, guiding this sweet pup to discover the beauty of life.
You are truly a hero!
