Extremely Fearful, Shut Down Foster Dog Finally Gives Humanity A Chance Again

May 10, 2025

Tiki's journey is one of heartbreak—and healing.

When he first arrived at the shelter, he was completely shut down. According to his foster mom, he had "no will to live." Silent. Motionless. Withdrawn. He wouldn’t eat, wouldn’t move, wouldn’t even make eye contact.

He was simply surviving, not living.

Tiki extremely fearful foster dog
@simonsits on TikTok

So she brought him home.

Still, nothing changed at first. Tiki remained in his crate, too afraid to venture out, refusing food, avoiding all touch. His foster mom described him as an “extremely fearful shutdown foster dog.”

But she had been here before—with other dogs who had lost all trust—and she wasn’t about to give up.

@simonsits Day 6 with Tiki: he hung outside of his crate for 30 ENTIRE MINUTES 😭 @Muddy Paws Rescue @ASPCA ♬ original sound - taolee

Days passed. Progress was slow. On Day 10, she shared that he was still too scared to be touched, but something had shifted: he started sitting nearby, staring at her, quietly crying.

“I feel like it’s his way of saying he really wants affection and he really wants to be loved,” she said, “but he just doesn’t know how to do it.”

Then came Day 13. The moment her patience, love, and gentle persistence paid off.

Tiki approached.

And this time, he allowed her to touch him.

It was the miracle her followers had been hoping for. Tiki had finally decided to take a chance on trust—and in doing so, took his first real step toward a new life full of love.

Watch the magical moment unfold. It’s one you won’t forget.

@simonsits Day 13 with Tiki: to be loved is to be changed 🥹 @Muddy Paws Rescue @ASPCA ♬ Blackbird - 🪲🎸