When Faith, an 18-month-old pit bull mix, gave birth to a surprise litter of puppies, her world turned upside down. Instead of being cared for, she was banished to the backyard — shut inside a filthy crate, forgotten and alone.
For weeks, Faith knew only fear and isolation. Then, a kind neighbor noticed her plight and reached out for help. Through a network of rescues, Faith finally found her way to Happy Paws Rescue, where her story would begin to change.
The team quickly realized Faith needed someone patient — someone who could show her what kindness felt like. That someone was Kaitlyn Marcinkowski.
“When they asked if I could take her, my answer was simple,” Marcinkowski told The Dodo. “‘Can I get her tonight?’”
From the very start, Kaitlyn understood that Faith didn’t need pressure — she needed peace. When they arrived home, the young dog froze in the car, too scared to move. So Kaitlyn scooped her up gently and carried her inside.
“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.”
For the first few days, Faith barely left her crate — the only space she’d ever known as “safe.” She trembled at every sound and refused to eat or even go outside.
“It broke my heart to see such a sweet girl so scared of the world,” Marcinkowski said.
But Kaitlyn never rushed her. She spoke softly, offered treats, and celebrated even the smallest moments of courage.
“Our plan to earn her trust was simple — patience and positive reinforcement,” she said. “We gave her space, let her set the pace, and watched her cues.”
Little by little, Faith began to change. On the fourth day, she surprised Kaitlyn by hopping onto the bed — her tail wagging shyly, ready for her first snuggle.
“Carrying helped her feel secure,” Marcinkowski said. “Now she hops on the bed, striking her best little pick-me-up pose.”
Soon, the backyard — once a place of punishment — became her playground. After one fun romp, Faith did something she’d never done before: she walked back inside on her own.
“One of her silliest habits now is running straight to the grass and rolling over for belly rubs,” Marcinkowski said. “It’s her favorite thing.”
Faith continues to blossom every day, her fear giving way to joy and confidence. Kaitlyn jokes on Instagram that anyone thinking of adopting her should be ready to “lift and carry 50 pounds of princess beefcake.”
Because this brave girl may still love being carried — but she’s no longer afraid to stand on her own four paws.
After everything Faith has survived, she’s finally learning what love feels like — and now, she’s ready to find a forever home that will never let her go.
If you’re interested in adopting Faith, you can reach out to Happy Paws Rescue.
