It’s heartbreaking to imagine the struggles many dogs endure. Some lose hope, feeling abandoned and unloved, unsure if they’ll ever find a family to cherish them, hold them close, and show them the love they deserve.
Royal, a gentle pup, had nearly given up on ever knowing human love or a better life. Her once-bright eyes had dulled with defeat, and she seemed to understand that she was sick and in desperate need of help.
What she didn’t know was that kindhearted people were on their way to rescue her—ready to change her life in ways she never could have imagined.
Thanks To Her Heroes, The Puppy Is Safe
Source: The Dodo
The team at I Stand With My Pack, a California-based non-profit, found the tiny, injured pup in desperate need of help.
She trembled uncontrollably, her frail body covered in mange. Seeing her in such distress shattered their hearts.
Determined to give her a chance at a better life, they rescued her and named her Royal. A veterinarian quickly provided the necessary treatment, setting her on the path to healing.
With medication in hand and hope restored, Royal left the clinic—ready to begin her journey to recovery in a loving foster home.
Source: @istandwithmypack
Courtney, a seasoned foster, welcomed Royal into her home with open arms. Her heart sank when she saw how emaciated and fragile the little pup was, but she was determined to do everything possible to help her heal.
The first thing Courtney did was give Royal a warm bath, washing away the past and starting her fresh chapter.
Despite everything she had been through, Royal seemed enchanted by her foster mom’s gentle touch, leaning into her cuddles with trust and relief. Courtney couldn’t shake the feeling that this might have been the pup’s first true experience of human kindness.
She Proves To Be A Resilient Pup
Source: @istandwithmypack
With unwavering love and support, Courtney stayed by Royal’s side, encouraging her to fight. As the pup began to realize she was finally safe, she slowly relaxed and started eating—a moment of relief for her foster mom.
Royal quickly grew attached to Courtney, snuggling in bed and showering her with affectionate kisses.
Watching the little pup take her first steps in her new home, her tiny, wavy tail wagging for the first time, filled Courtney’s heart with warmth.
“It was a crazy, crazy journey just to see her slowly come back to life. Two months to get her to a place where she was walking. It was another two months until she started to slowly regrow fur,” Courtney shared with The Dodo.
Source: The Dodo
During her recovery, Royal was fortunate to have a special friend by her side—a loyal companion who became a source of comfort and strength.
“My dog, Shakes, would teach her how to wrestle, play with squeaky toys, and chase a ball. You could see her learning and growing through another dog. It made her healthier and stronger,” Courtney shared.
With Shakes as her guide, Royal gained confidence, blossoming into a playful, spirited pup. The two quickly became inseparable best friends, spending their days racing along the beach and zooming around with pure joy. At home, they found comfort in each other, snuggling close like true soulmates.
Royal’s eyes sparkled with happiness, and for the first time, she truly embraced the joy of life. She bounced through the grass like a playful bunny, her once-weary spirit now overflowing with excitement and love.
Living Her Best Life In Her Forever Home
Source: I Stand With My Pack
As time went on, Courtney realized that Royal had completely stolen her heart—she was no longer just a foster pup but a true part of the family. Wanting to give her the forever home she had always longed for, Courtney made it official.
With her new beginning came a new name—Chicken, a fitting choice for the adorable pup who had blossomed into a happy, playful dog.
Watching her transform into a completely different pup, full of love and confidence, brought Courtney endless joy.
Source: @chicken_runstheworld
Courtney adores Chicken’s boundless energy and big personality. The sweet pup has an endearing habit—every morning when she wakes up and every night before bed, she gently rubs her eyes, as if savoring the comfort of her new life.
Her mom feels incredibly lucky to have her, calling Chicken “the most unexpectedly perfect addition to our lives.”
Source: @chicken_runstheworld
Chicken even has her own Instagram account, where she shares updates about her dream life in California. From beach adventures to cozy cuddle sessions, she’s living the life she once never thought possible.
Surrounded by love and happiness, Chicken finally knows what it means to be truly cherished.
Chicken loves lending a paw to her mom, often stepping in to babysit her foster siblings, showing them the same kindness and warmth she once received.
Thanks to the heroes at I Stand With My Pack and her mom’s endless love and dedication, Chicken has blossomed into a happy, healthy pup who embraces life to the fullest.
We couldn’t be happier for Chicken, and we hope she enjoys many wonderful adventures with her loving family!