"When Aubrie and Vince adopted a tiny Chihuahua mix named Tiki, they thought they were just giving a fearful rescue dog a safe home. What they didn't expect was that this timid pup would spark a movement, one that has already led to countless dog adoptions across New York and beyond. But Tiki's story didn't start there. Tiki arrived at the ASPCA earlier this year after the organization's Community Engagement team helped an overwhelmed New York City pet owner surrender several chihuahua mixes, including the five-year-old pup."
"The ASPCA recognized that Tiki would heal better in a foster home and connected with Muddy Paws Rescue, which placed Tiki with an experienced foster caregiver, Isabel Klee. Klee's clips of a nervous little dog inching out of his crate, nibbling cheese from her hand, and finally curling up in her lap introduced Tiki to the world. Millions of people fell in love, and from that moment, Tiki became more than a foster dog; he became a symbol of second chances."
"When Isabel first welcomed Tiki into her NYC apartment, he wanted nothing to do with the world. He stayed in an open crate, eyes wide, body tense. Isabel didn't push. Instead, she sat nearby, offered treats, and let him decide when to trust. It didn't take long for small breakthroughs to come. First, he accepted a piece of cheese. Then, a tentative pat. Soon, he was climbing into her lap. Isabel shared each step on TikTok, and viewers became invested in his progre"
A timid Chihuahua named Tiki was surrendered to the ASPCA and placed with Muddy Paws Rescue for foster care. An experienced foster caregiver, Isabel Klee, documented Tiki's gradual recovery from fear to trust using gentle, patient methods. Small breakthroughs—accepting cheese, allowing pats, climbing into a lap—were shared on TikTok and drew millions of viewers. The emotional connection viewers felt with Tiki motivated many families to adopt dogs, demonstrating that traumatized dogs can become loving companions with consistency and kindness. Tiki's journey became a visible example of successful rehabilitation and second chances.
Read at www.newyorkfamily.com
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