When Sophia and her partner welcomed Daisy into their home in early May, they knew they had a huge task ahead of them. Having likely suffered a past of neglect, the dog spent her first few days in her new home gripped by a paralysing terror.
In a heartbreaking video shared on TikTok by Sophia, the dog could be seen flatly refusing to leave the corner of the bathroom. She rejected any form of interaction, terrified by her unfamiliar surroundings. Refusing to leave her alone in her distress, the couple spent hours sitting on the cold bathroom floor, trying to show her she was safe and loved.
It took nearly a week of absolute patience before Daisy finally let her guard down and ventured out of her hiding place.
A breakthrough and a “foster fail”
Once she took that first step outside, the senior dog's transformation was spectacular. Daisy began to enjoy walks on her lead around the neighbourhood. She loved the comfort of cosy beds, soft blankets, and plush toys. The more she opened up, the more her rescuers fell in love with her.
Before long, the couple fell completely under her spell, much to their delight. What was meant to be a temporary fostering arrangement turned into a wonderful “foster fail” — when a foster family decides to adopt their guest permanently. On 14 May, just two weeks after her arrival, Daisy officially became a full member of the family.
A new lease of life
Today, although Daisy still has brief moments of panic, she is thriving in her daily routine. She has developed a massive love for peanut butter and absolutely adores her memory foam bed. “Our goal is to help her understand that not all humans are bad, and to rebuild her trust,” Sophia says.