What began as a typical day for Lilia Toscano quickly turned unforgettable when she noticed a rubber tote bag abandoned on the roadside near her Detroit home. Sensing something was amiss, Toscano hurried outside for a closer look and discovered the bag was taped shut. Upon opening it, she was horrified to find a trembling dog inside, gazing up at her in disbelief. Unable to coax the frightened pup out, Toscano called her neighbor for assistance.
The Pup Is Too Scared To Trust Anyone
Toscano’s neighbor gently carried the dog indoors and contacted P.O.E.T. Animal Rescue in Westland, Michigan, to report the abandoned pup. The dog, affectionately named Kendrick, remained still, which led Toscano and her neighbor to wonder if he was injured.
A board member from P.O.E.T. Animal Rescue arrived at Toscano’s home and took Kendrick to a veterinary clinic for examination. Thankfully, an X-ray showed that Kendrick was not injured, but his refusal to move stemmed from an intense fear of humans. A compassionate vet technician tried comforting him, helping him feel safe, and gradually, Kendrick began to trust their intentions.
Recognizing the love and kindness surrounding him made it clear that Kendrick had endured significant trauma and heartbreak in the past. He required a foster home filled with warmth and patience to help him overcome his fears.
Kendrick Meets His Foster Mom
After hearing about Kendrick’s plight, Lauren Boesen, another board member at the rescue, decided to foster him and went to the clinic to bring him home. However, when Kendrick first met Boesen, he attempted to hide from her, still engulfed in fear. Understanding that she needed to gain his trust, Boesen devoted herself to winning him over. It didn’t take long for Kendrick to sense her sincerity and warmth. “When I met him at the vet, he was hiding and very apprehensive. I sat on the floor with him and began talking baby talk to him and I saw a tail wag,” Boesen shared with The Dodo.
Kendrick soon began to trust her, allowing her to leash him for the ride home. Boesen reassured him that he was safe, and with that reassurance, Kendrick hopped into her car, peering out the window to explore his new surroundings.
Once Kendrick settled into his foster home, Boesen noticed that he lacked basic dog skills; he was unfamiliar with toys and struggled to show affection. Allowing him time to acclimate, Boesen patiently provided love and attention. Gradually, Kendrick began to explore his new environment and revel in the cuddles he received from his foster mom.
The pup quickly learned that life could be beautiful.
“Over the last few weeks, he has grown to love cuddles and pets. He also now loves to get picked up and run around in the yard. He absolutely loves running through the snow,” Boesen added.
Kendrick still needs to build trust with people, but he has made significant progress. He will remain in his foster home until he finds a forever family that will cherish him as he truly deserves.
