Texas Foster Takes Home A Terrified Shelter Dog And Soon Discovers She Is Basically A Potato
After being used for breeding and surrendered by her family, a stressed shelter dog completely transforms when she finally feels safe in a foster home.
A Heartbreaking Surrender
The shelter environment is overwhelming for almost any dog, but for one unique pup, it was entirely paralyzing.
She had been used for breeding and was ultimately surrendered to the shelter by her own family. To make matters even more heartbreaking, she was turned in alongside another dog, who was likely her own puppy.
Everything she knew had suddenly vanished. She was left alone in a loud, unfamiliar place, unsure of what would happen next.
Stressed And Shut Down
In her kennel, the dog was completely shut down. She spent her time cowering in the corner, trying to make herself as small as possible.
Her stress was visible to anyone who walked by. She kept her back pressed into the wall, her forehead deeply wrinkled with worry.
Despite her fear, she quickly became a favorite among the shelter staff and volunteers. They knew this sweet girl deserved a chance to decompress in a real home.
A Ticket Out Of The Shelter
That’s when a woman named Gretchen saw her situation. Gretchen knew she had to help this terrified dog find her way out.
One of the rescue organizations Gretchen supports mentioned they would be willing to pull the dog from the shelter, but only if there was an available foster home ready to take her in.
Gretchen immediately stepped up. She reached out to the rescue and offered to be the safe landing spot this dog so desperately needed.
Leaving The Kennel Behind
With a foster home secured, the plan was set into motion. The dog, now named Kiki Cupcake, was finally getting her freedom ride.
Gretchen’s husband, along with individuals from an organization called Shy Club, went directly to the shelter to pick her up.
They gently coaxed her out of the terrifying environment. It was the first step toward a completely new life.
Feeling Safe At Last
Once Kiki Cupcake arrived at Gretchen’s home, the transformation was incredible. She completely changed the moment she realized she was finally safe.
The cowering, terrified dog from the shelter vanished. In her place emerged a dog with a really fun, laid-back personality.
Gretchen quickly learned that Kiki Cupcake was incredibly low maintenance. She just wanted to be comfortable and loved.
Finding Her Voice And Her Quirks
As she settled in, Kiki Cupcake began to show off her unique quirks. She even found her voice, no longer afraid to express herself.
She loves to lay around with her people, making sure she is always right at their feet. In fact, she likes to run underneath her humans’ feet just so she can get her own back rubs.
If you reach out to pet her, she has a signature move. She does a slow-motion roll straight to the ground to offer up her belly for rubs.
The Reluctant Walker
Kiki Cupcake is incredibly loyal to Gretchen. Even when Gretchen thinks the dog is fast asleep, Kiki will get up and follow her from room to room.
While she loves following her foster mom around the house, she draws the line at actual exercise. Gretchen takes her for walks every day, but notes it is usually against Kiki’s will.
She is definitely not a big fan of working out, but she begrudgingly goes along for the stroll anyway.
Part Hippo, Part Potato
Her appearance is just as unique as her personality. Gretchen affectionately describes her as a "hungry, hungry hippo, part low rider, and part potato."
With her distinct body shape and piercing, icy blue eyes, she constantly turns heads. People frequently stop just to look at her when they are out and about.
Gretchen is currently waiting for DNA results to come back to solve the mystery of what combination of breeds created this wonderful dog.
Thriving With Her People
Looking back, it is clear that the shelter environment was just too overwhelming for a dog as sensitive as Kiki Cupcake.
She is a dog who truly loves people and needs that close connection to thrive. Now that she is out of the shelter, she can focus entirely on building relationships.
Spending time with her people is what makes her the happiest. Thanks to a dedicated foster home, this beautiful "potato" finally has the safe, loving life she always deserved.
