Moment Frightened Abandoned Dog Learns To Trust Foster Mom: ‘I Cried’

A recent video of a rescue dog slowly learning to trust her foster mom has touched people’s hearts.

Dotty the dog completely stopped trusting people after her previous owner ditched her in Dallas, Texas, an unfortunately common occurrence in the state, Sara Ashworth told Newsweek. Her previous owner told an onlooker that she could no longer afford the care for Dotty, dropped her off and hopped back into the car, speeding off.

A group of people immediately wanted to get a hold of Dotty, but because she was frightened, it took time. They spent nearly half an hour before they managed to get her. Ashworth then found an animal rescue, If Dogs, that agreed to take her in.

Now, Dotty is living at her foster home, but because she was mistreated and starved, she’s hesitant to trust people. A November 12 TikTok video posted by the account @fosterangel3 showed Dotty slowly regaining her confidence. Just two days prior, Dotty wouldn’t look at her foster mother. But with time, patience and love, Dotty is slowly releasing her past traumatic experiences.

The clip shows Dotty finally accepting the love she deserves. Her foster parent continued to gently pet her. You could see her pain start melting away as soon as their heads touched. Dotty wanted more as she leaned in closer. It was at this moment she turned a corner.

“…I’ve had a face lick today and I cried,” a comment from the foster parent reads.

Ashworth said Dotty is making a slow recovery, but is still “quite unwell.” They learned Dotty has “end-stage heartworm.” The CHEW Animal Clinic in Dallas, which offers low-cost veterinarian care to rescue organizations, has been working with Dotty since she was rescued. It will be a long road, however, the team, rescue and foster family are dedicated to helping her.

“Dotty still has a long way to go she is with an incredible foster family who are giving her TLC to recuperate and hopefully she makes it!” Ashworth said.

“There is no excuse for dumping an animal when many services will let you surrender them safely,” Ashworth said.

The TikTok video, which amassed nearly 200,000 views, instantly shattered people’s hearts. They hated seeing how scared Dotty was, but they’re hopeful this is her turning a corner.

“The way she kept leaning in to get you to touch heads again,” pointed out a viewer.

Another added: “She just looks so tired and beaten with life. Great to see she’s getting love.”

A third person said: “She will never forget you! You’re her hero.”