What began as an ordinary afternoon turned into a moment Lilia Toscano would never forget when she noticed a rubber tote left near the roadside by her home in Detroit.
There was something unsettling about the container. Relying on her instincts, Toscano stepped outside to take a closer look.
As she approached, she saw that the tote had been bound shut with layers of tape. When she finally opened it, the sight inside was heartbreaking.
A frightened dog lay curled up, trembling and gazing upward with wide, terrified eyes.
The pup was frozen in fear, unable to move, which led Toscano to reach out to her neighbor for help.
Paralyzed By Fear And In Need Of Help
Toscano’s neighbor gently lifted the frightened dog and carried him indoors. Concerned for his well-being, they reached out to P.O.E.T. Animal Rescue in Westland, Michigan, and described the situation.
Because the dog, later named Kendrick, remained motionless, they worried he might be physically hurt.
A board member from P.O.E.T. arrived promptly to transport Kendrick to a veterinary clinic for a full evaluation.
Thankfully, X-rays showed no physical injuries. His frozen state wasn’t due to pain, but overwhelming fear.
The veterinary staff offered gentle reassurance. One technician sat beside Kendrick, speaking softly to help him feel secure. Slowly, Kendrick began to respond. He lowered his defenses and started to trust the kindness around him.
Though the details of his past remained unknown, it was evident Kendrick had endured significant trauma. He would need a nurturing foster home to begin healing, one that could provide the safety and affection he had been denied.
A Foster Home Opens Its Heart
Lauren Boesen, another board member at P.O.E.T., heard Kendrick’s story and felt compelled to help. Without delay, she drove to the clinic to bring him home.
Initially, Kendrick recoiled from her. His fear hadn’t yet subsided. Boesen remained calm and patient. She sat beside him on the floor, speaking in a gentle, soothing voice.
“When I met him at the vet, he was hiding and very apprehensive. I sat on the floor with him and began talking baby talk to him and I saw a tail wag,” Boesen told The Dodo.
That subtle tail wag marked a turning point: Kendrick was beginning to trust.
He allowed Boesen to attach a leash and walk him to her car. She comforted him throughout the journey, assuring him he was safe.
As they drove home, Kendrick stared out the window, watching the world go by — a glimpse of the new life ahead.
Once Kendrick arrived at Boesen’s home, it became clear he had never experienced the simple joys of being a dog.
She offered him toys, but he didn’t know how to play. He didn’t understand affection, nor did he know how to return it.
Boesen gave him space and time. Gradually, Kendrick began to explore and settle in. He started to enjoy cuddles and the comfort of being close to someone who cared.
Bit by bit, Kendrick began to flourish.
“Over the last few weeks, he has grown now to love cuddles and pets. He also now loves to get picked up and run around in the yard. He absolutely loves running through the snow,” Boesen added.
Though emotional scars remain, Kendrick has made remarkable progress. He’ll stay with Boesen until the right forever home is found, one that will give him the love and stability he’s always needed.
