From Fear to Freedom
Faith, an 18-month-old pit bull mix, had a rough start in life. After giving birth to an unexpected litter, her previous owners confined her to a dirty crate in the backyard. She knew nothing but fear and loneliness — until a caring neighbor intervened.
Through a network of rescues, Faith was placed with Happy Paws Rescue, who quickly realized she needed an experienced, patient foster family to help her overcome her deep-seated fears.
Meeting Her Foster Mom
Enter Kaitlyn Marcinkowski, who immediately agreed to take Faith in.
“When [Happy Paws Rescue] asked if I could help, my answer was simple: ‘Can I get her tonight?’”
From the very beginning, Marcinkowski understood that Faith needed gentleness and reassurance. Too scared to walk on her own, Faith was carried into her new home, allowing her to feel safe while adjusting to an entirely new environment.
“Carrying her started as a way to help,” Marcinkowski said. “She was often too scared to walk, and we weren’t going to force her to.”
Earning Trust With Patience
In the first days, Faith barely left her crate, trembling at every sound and avoiding using the bathroom. Her fear was palpable, and Marcinkowski knew that patience and positive reinforcement were key.
“Our plan to earn her trust was simple — patience and positive reinforcement. We gave her space, let her set the pace, and watched her cues,” Marcinkowski explained.
Slowly, Faith began to show signs of confidence. Within four days, she jumped onto the bed to snuggle, signaling that she felt safe and loved.
Finding Joy in Small Moments
Faith’s growth continued daily. After playtime in the yard, she walked back inside on her own for the first time, showing that the outdoors no longer scared her. Her playful spirit shone through in quirky habits, like rolling onto her back for belly rubs whenever she’s outside.
“Carrying helped her feel secure. Now she hops on the bed, striking her best little pick-me-up pose,” Marcinkowski said.
A Bright Future Ahead
Faith continues to grow stronger and more confident every day, patiently awaiting her forever family. Marcinkowski jokes that anyone interested in adopting her should be ready to “lift and carry 50 [pounds] of princess beefcake.”
After a life filled with fear and neglect, Faith now has the love, patience, and security she deserves — and her journey serves as a heartwarming reminder of how transformative care and compassion can be.
Faith’s story shows that with patience, understanding, and a loving hand, even the most fearful animals can find joy, confidence, and a sense of home.
