It’s truly heartbreaking to think about the pain these beautiful dogs endure after being forsaken and mistreated by their owners.
Feeling unloved, they live in a world devoid of the human affection that every pup deserves. Tragically, some dogs have suffered physical abuse from their own families and are left terrified of people.
Arnold, an adorable Chihuahua, was among those forsaken dogs who faced betrayal from his family. He became so fearful that even the slightest human touch caused him distress.
Finding Love in a Foster Home
After being abandoned, a compassionate family took Arnold in for a month. They contacted Hope For Paws, a California-based rescue organization, who quickly came to help.
Shortly thereafter, Foxy and the Hounds accepted Arnold into their program. The founder, Terri Fox, decided to foster him.
Upon her first meeting with Arnold, Terri recognized that he would need ample time to adjust. He was terrified and resisted being petted by his foster mom.
Each time Terri’s hand came close, Arnold would bark and growl defensively. He would open his mouth as if he intended to bite her.
Determined to earn his trust, Terri sat with Arnold daily, feeding and caring for him, and providing him with a cozy bed in the bathroom.
Arnold still preferred to keep his distance and showed little interest in beingfriend her.
One day, Terri decided to gently reach out and help dissolve his overwhelming fear. As she sat beside him and extended her closed hand, Arnold reacted by snapping and yelping.
Despite Arnold trying to snap at her hand, he did not actually bite Terri. Recognizing that he was merely scared, Terri slowly opened her hand and softly stroked his chest.
As the adorable pup gazed at her with hopeful eyes, she made him a promise.
“You never deserved to be this frightened. Someone must have been quite unkind to you, but that’s not how it will be anymore.”
With her gentle touch, Arnold ceased barking and began to embrace the affection as Terri patted him. She had successfully earned his trust.
Arnold Becomes a Cuddle Bug
That pivotal moment changed everything in their relationship.
The following day, when Terri entered the bathroom, the pup was excited to see her. He perked up from his doggy bed, wagging his tail. As Terri approached, he rolled over, inviting a belly rub.
Terri was ecstatic. She rubbed his belly while he appeared utterly relaxed, soaking up the affection from his foster mom.
From that point onward, they became inseparable and treasured their time together.
They adored snuggling on the couch and watching TV. Arnold lavished Terri with sweet kisses, earning the nickname Mr. Snuggly, and he even began to sleep in her bed.
Beginning a New Life in His Forever Home
After recognizing his remarkable journey, Terri felt that Arnold was ready to find his forever home. A loving family came forward and fell head over heels for the charming Chihuahua.
They provided him with the dream home filled with the love he had missed throughout his life.
Arnold’s canine brother, Pepe, welcomed him into the family, and the pair quickly became inseparable.
Three months post-adoption, Terri visited Arnold at his California home. They were ecstatic to reunite, and the pup eagerly showcased all his toys to Terri.
Terri was filled with joy knowing Arnold was living his best life with a family that cherishes him.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible individuals who played a role in his rescue, especially to Arnold’s foster mom, Terri, whose care erased Arnold’s fears and transformed him into a joyful dog.
