It’s heartbreaking to imagine the struggles many dogs face. Some become so discouraged that they lose hope of ever finding loving parents to embrace them and remind them they’re worthy of endless love.
Royal, a gentle pup, was on the brink of losing hope for a life filled with love. Her once-bright eyes had dulled, and defeat weighed heavily on her small frame. She could sense her illness and knew she needed help—fast.
What Royal didn’t realize was that kindhearted people were already on their way, ready to rescue her and transform her life in ways she’d never dreamed possible.
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 fragile, injured pup trembling uncontrollably. Her tiny body, covered in mange, told a heartbreaking story of neglect and suffering.
Determined to help, they rescued her and gave her a name fit for the life she deserved—Royal. A visit to the vet provided the medications she desperately needed to heal.
With her first step toward recovery taken, Royal left the clinic and headed to a loving foster home, ready to start her journey to a brighter future.
Source: @istandwithmypack
Courtney, an experienced foster, stepped up to welcome Royal into her home. Seeing the fragile, emaciated pup broke her heart, but it only strengthened her determination to help Royal heal.
The first thing Courtney did was give her a warm bath.
To her surprise, Royal seemed captivated by her new foster mom, melting into every cuddle. It was as if this was her first true experience of human kindness.
She Proves To Be A Resilient Pup
Source: @istandwithmypack
With her foster mom by her side, Royal felt the warmth of unconditional love for the first time. Encouraged to keep fighting, she slowly began to relax and eat, much to Courtney’s relief.
Royal quickly discovered the joy of snuggling in bed with her foster mom, showering her with affectionate kisses.
Watching the pup take her first steps at home, her little wavy tail finally wagging, filled Courtney’s heart with hope.
“It was a crazy, crazy journey just to see her slowly come back to life,” Courtney shared with The Dodo. “Two months to get her walking, and another two months until her fur started to grow back.”
Source: The Dodo
During her recovery, Royal found comfort and strength in an unexpected friend—Shakes, Courtney’s dog.
“My dog, Shakes, would teach her how to wrestle, play with squeaky toys, and chase balls,” Courtney shared. “You could see her learning and growing through another dog. It made her healthier and stronger.”
With Shakes by her side, Royal blossomed. The two became inseparable, sharing zoomies at the beach and cozy cuddle sessions at home. Their bond was the final piece Royal needed to truly heal.
Royal’s eyes soon sparkled with happiness, and her playful spirit blossomed. She began hopping through the grass like a little bunny, finally embracing the joy of her new life.
Living Her Best Life In Her Forever Home
Source: I Stand With My Pack
As time went on, Courtney realized Royal had completely stolen her heart. It became clear that she was already part of the family, so Courtney decided to give her the forever home she had always longed for. With her new life came a new name—Chicken.
Watching her blossom into a happy, confident dog brought Courtney endless joy. It was hard to believe she was the same fragile pup who once had no hope.
Source: @chicken_runstheworld
Courtney fell in love with Chicken’s vibrant energy and big personality. One of her most endearing habits is rubbing her eyes every morning when she wakes up and every night before bed, like a little ritual of comfort.
Grateful for the joy Chicken brings, Courtney describes her as “the most unexpectedly perfect addition to our lives.”
Source: @chicken_runstheworld
Chicken now has her own Instagram account, where she shares glimpses of her dream life in California. Surrounded by love and happiness, she’s finally living the life she once could only dream of.
Chicken loves lending a paw around the house, often babysitting her foster siblings with gentle care.
Thanks to the heroes at I Stand With My Pack and her mom’s unwavering love and dedication, Chicken has blossomed into a happy, healthy pup who embraces life to the fullest.
We’re over the moon for Chicken and wish her countless adventures with her loving family.