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When Zaina Ateyea’s father woke her up one morning with unexpected news that someone had left a puppy outside their house, she didn’t hesitate. Grabbing food and water, she rushed out the door. From a distance, she saw the frightened pup eyeing her warily. Ateyea did the only thing she could think of: she sat down and waited.
A Gentle Start to Building Trust
Though her dad warned her not to bring the pup home, Zaina couldn’t ignore the situation. “My dad went to go take my dogs for a walk and looked at me and was like, ‘Whatever you do, do NOT take her home,’” she said in a TikTok video. “And I said, ‘You’re the one who mentioned her to me and told me to come help.’ So whatever happens happens.”
She slowly inched the food and water closer to the pup, later named Muffin, hoping to make her feel safe enough to eat and drink. Every few moments, Zaina shortened the distance between them, careful not to make any sudden moves.
Patience Pays Off
At one point, Muffin bolted, but Zaina followed without giving up. Muffin kept glancing back and, at times, ran right past her, slowly warming up to her presence. After nearly four hours, Muffin finally lay down behind her. Zaina could barely contain her excitement.
Eventually, she coaxed Muffin into her yard. Then, she lay down beside her for two more hours until the nervous dog allowed gentle contact.
@dontmesswithzEVERYONE SAY GOOD MORNING MUFFIN!!!!!🫶🫶🫶🫶 i missed her all night and today is going to be calling rescues/posting about her in hopes someone can adopt her. she was so excited to see me and i’m so proud of her for opening up to me!!!!!♬ sun and moon – mage tears
From Stray to Snuggler
The following day, Muffin was safe inside. Zaina knew she couldn’t keep her—she already had several rescues at home—but she promised to find Muffin the perfect forever family. Still, parting wouldn’t be easy.
A neighbor stopped by with a microchip scanner, but Muffin didn’t have one. It seemed she had truly been abandoned, but had the good fortune to land near someone who refused to leave her behind.
In the days that followed, Muffin received a much-needed bath, visited the vet, and selected some new toys. With a little love and stability, she began to flourish. Her sweet, snuggly personality emerged, and even Ollie, Zaina’s dog, who typically struggles with other canines, took a liking to her.
While the search for a permanent home is still underway, Muffin is thriving in her foster environment. And it all started because one woman sat down in the grass and decided she wouldn’t leave until the scared little pup beside her felt safe.
Thank you, Zaina, for your tireless efforts and unwavering dedication. We have no doubt Muffin will find her forever family soon!
