Watch the moment tiny white dog found in traffic realizes I’m here to help

When I first saw Brie, she was curled up in the corner of her kennel, eyes wide and filled with fear. It was already her third day at the shelter, but she was still tucked away, trying to stay out of sight, and even more worrying—she wasn’t eating. Brie was clearly overwhelmed, and I knew we had to do something to help her feel safe again.

Brie’s Rough Start: A Miracle on the Road

Brie is a young, one-and-a-half-year-old Maltese mix, who ended up at the shelter under scary circumstances. A good Samaritan found her wandering in the middle of a busy road, right near a Stater Bros shopping center—a place bustling with cars going in every direction, especially on weekends. The fact that Brie managed to dodge traffic without a single injury was nothing short of a miracle.

Unfortunately, she had no collar, leash, or microchip, so there was no way to track down an owner. Her rescuer took her to the shelter, where she was health-checked and, thankfully, found to be in overall good shape, despite showing signs of past neglect. Her ears had evidence of a previous yeast infection and hematomas, suggesting she hadn’t received much care or attention. The shelter team noted she was in need of serious grooming, and it was clear she’d gone without it for quite a while.

Naming Brie: The Cheese Stands Alone

After the shelter team discussed names that might honor her background and the place she was found, we landed on “Brie”—like the cheese you’d find in a grocery store. It felt fitting for her sweet, delicate personality, and the name brought a bit of lightheartedness to a tough beginning.

A Fresh Start: Brie’s First Grooming

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Brie’s physical transformation began with the help of the shelter groomer, Mel. After some much-needed grooming, she went from a scruffy, nervous pup to a fresh-faced little dog who could finally feel comfortable in her own skin. Grooming can be a therapeutic experience for a dog, and in Brie’s case, it seemed to help lift some of her emotional burden too. Seeing her afterward, with her clean, white coat and soft, gentle eyes, was like meeting a whole new dog.

Training Brie with Treats and Patience

For a dog as timid as Brie, building trust takes time, and food is often the best way to start. Small, tasty treats became our bridge to communication, helping her understand that she was safe and could let her guard down. At first, she was hesitant to come forward, just nibbling at treats from a distance. But as she realized treats meant something good—and that she didn’t have to be afraid—she began inching closer, showing small signs of courage.

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Each tiny movement Brie made was a milestone. I’d give her lots of gentle affirmations like, “You’re doing great, Brie!” She might not understand every word, but I could tell she felt the positive energy. This encouragement was as much for her as it was for me, reinforcing that even the smallest steps forward are big wins in helping a dog feel safe and valued.

Affirmations and Small Wins: Building Brie’s Confidence

Brie’s journey is all about small victories. The first time she took a treat from my hand, the first time she made eye contact, and the first time she allowed a gentle touch—these were huge breakthroughs. I cheered her on, praising her for every little step and letting her know she was safe.

With each session, Brie became a bit more comfortable, and I could see her begin to trust. It wasn’t a quick process, but with dogs like Brie, it’s all about going at their pace. Every time she made progress, even if it was just a tiny step, I’d let her know she was doing something great. The affirmations might seem simple, but for a dog who’s had a rough start, these little boosts of positivity are essential for building confidence.

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The Power of Fostering: Finding the Perfect Match

When I talk to people about fostering, I often bring up stories of fosters we’ve had who found their perfect match through trial and error. Sometimes, people think they want a high-energy dog, only to realize their lifestyle is better suited to a mellow, couch-loving companion. Or maybe they’re looking for a smaller dog but realize, through fostering, that they actually connect better with a larger dog’s personality. With Brie, fostering offers a way for her to build trust in a home while letting her foster family see if they’re prepared to provide the slower, gentler environment she needs.

Fostering isn’t just about giving dogs a temporary home; it’s about finding the right fit for both the dog and the family. For example, I once saw a family foster a young, energetic dog, thinking he’d be perfect for them, but ultimately they fell in love with a much calmer senior dog they fostered later on. Fostering gives people the opportunity to find the perfect personality match, and for dogs like Brie, it’s a chance to show their true colors in a safe, loving environment.

The Road Ahead: Hoping for Brie’s Forever Home

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Brie’s journey has just begun. She’s already made leaps and bounds from the scared dog huddled in the corner of her kennel, but she still has a way to go. What she really needs now is a patient, loving family who understands that trust takes time. A family who can give her the stability she’s been missing and let her grow into the confident, happy dog I know she can be.