After 13 long days, traumatized rescue dog lets his foster mom pet him — and there's nothing more healing

Trust isn't built overnight; it's actually very similar to planting trees — you sow the seeds today, and patiently wait for them to bloom into something beautiful later. Now, remember, some people, especially those with a traumatic past, might take longer than others to genuinely trust someone. And just like us, innocent animals who have endured a troubled past, too, struggle to build that strong, unshakable trust in somebody again. Isabel Klee, who goes by @simonsits on TikTok, captured a rescue dog after days of chasing him as he ran farther and farther from her. When he finally let her pet him, it proved that love and trust had grown over time.

In the video, Klee recorded how the adorable dog named Tiki initially had a tough time believing that he was actually in safe hands and hence didn't allow the woman to come near him. However, his foster mom, Klee, left no stone unturned and waited with utmost patience, allowing Tiki to take as much time as he needed to build a meaningful bond with her. From trying to lure him with food to spending hours coexisting in the same space as Tiki, the woman did everything possible, but for the first thirteen days, nothing worked in her favor.

Klee also shared many instances when the dog walked past her while she stood there extending her hand for him. But all the waiting seemed worth it when, on day 13, Tiki allowed his foster mom to pet him. There was something incredibly special about the way the dog looked at Klee. His eyes spoke volumes about how much he trusted her and felt at ease with just her mere presence. At this point, the foster mom, too, seemed equally emotional, watching her four-legged baby enjoying her company. "That was crazy," Klee said, as she saw the dog coming back to her for some more attention.

Tiki was beyond fortunate to meet someone like Klee, who went the extra mile to win his trust, but, unfortunately, not every dog gets to experience that kind of love. As per the RSPCA, an estimated 27 canines were being ill-treated every day in 2022, which means more than one dog was mistreated every hour. Further, they claimed that the total reports made to the RSPCA, including intentional harm, neglect, and abandonment, in the same year were 42,690.

Meanwhile, Tiki, the rescue dog's video, received an outpouring of love on the internet, with netizens noticing the exact moment he realized he could trust Klee, his foster mom. A user who goes by @rolliepolliefrenchie on social media wrote, "His eyes when he's looking at you as you pet him! He looks like he believes this will be okay!" Another person, @jlrosie14, said, "THIS. THIS RIGHT HERE! This is what TikTok should be about: bringing together a community of strangers and celebrating the love and joyful moments of others! TIKI is the BEST boy!"

On the other hand, @kks639 commented, "I’m crying. The look Tiki gives you is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. It’s, 'I am going to trust you. Please don’t hurt me,' look. He has wanted this so much." @joysunphoto shared, "Crying like everyone, but also realizing Tiki is a motivation to me and possibly others to be brave and move through our fears. Our past traumas do not define us. Thank you for sharing him." Similarly, @hangingwiththehillmans shared, "Those sweet eyes. He’s been so afraid to ask for affection, but now he won’t be able to get enough. You guys have changed his life forever!"

You can follow Isabel Klee (@simonsits) on TikTok for more updates on Tiki, the adorable rescue dog.