Mama Dog Dumped at Shelter Needs Help—Trusts Human She ‘Barely Knows’

A pregnant dog who was dumped at an animal shelter just days before giving birth found she could trust humans again.

Daffodil came into an Oregon animal shelter as a surrender over the summer. Only three days later, the malnourished mama gave birth to nine puppies. But since she was already unhealthy, the dog needed extra attention to get her back on track while also caring for her newborns. That’s when Rachel Fusaro, known on TikTok as @rachelfusaro, stepped in.

Fusaro, a volunteer at the animal shelter, fell in love with Daffodil and decided to bring her home as a foster. She was prepared for the puppies to arrive, but she was not ready for the “uphill battle” that came with caring for Daffodil and all the tiny dogs.

Daffodil, while already malnourished, wouldn’t eat and barely drank water. Plus, nursing her puppies took more out of her, and given what she had been through, Daffodil wasn’t ready to trust humans.

But somehow she knew Fusaro was different. The volunteer said in her December 27 TikTok video that despite being someone Daffodil “barely knows” the dog took a leap of faith and put her trust in her. That trust has continued to build, as Fusaro has spent countless days and weeks working with Daffodil and her babies.

In the clip, Daffodil collapses into Fusaro’s lap and stays instead of retreating in fear. She accepts the gentle pets. Fusaro wrote in the clip that humans “don’t deserve dogs” because they trust them even after experiencing horrific traumas.

The months spent together with Daffodil and her puppies paid off because they’re all in forever homes now.

“She JUST got adopted and all of her pups were just adopted too,” Fusaro told Newsweek via TikTok. “I ended up keeping Aura, the second born, who is most like the mom.”

Because Daffodil is a “very human-focused” dog, Fusaro thought she would thrive if she went to a home where she was the only dog. Now, she is getting all the undivided attention her heart could want.

Luckily, Fusaro gets updates on Daffodil and the rest of the puppies, she said. Fusaro brings Aura to a puppy training class where she sees the other pups and their owners.

“It’s a mini-reunion every week, with ‘Go Rogue Dog Training,’ and it’s amazing,” she said.

‘So Strong’

The TikTok video amassed over 487,800 views, 56,900 likes and 108 comments as of Tuesday. Viewers immediately fell head over heels for Daffodil and her acceptance of love.

“She looks tired but has the most grateful eyes. She’s going to be okay,” commented one TikTok user.

A second added: “Oh, bless her little heart. They’re so strong. I’m glad she has you to help, comfort & love her.”

Another echoed: “What a brave momma please protect that beautiful soul.”