When Zaina Ateyea’s father woke her up with news that a puppy had been dumped outside their home, she didn’t hesitate. Grabbing some food and water, she rushed outside — and spotted a small, frightened dog watching her from a distance.
Instead of approaching quickly, Ateyea simply sat down in the grass and waited.
“My dad took my dogs out for a walk and looked at me like, ‘Whatever you do, do NOT take her home,’” Ateyea later shared on TikTok. “But I told him, ‘You’re the one who told me to help her — so we’ll see what happens.’”
With quiet persistence, Ateyea inched food and water closer to the scared pup, who she later named Muffin. She knew trust wouldn’t come easily, but she was determined to earn it.
“I’m not even sure what I want out of this,” she admitted in a video. “I just… want her.”
Throughout the day, Muffin remained cautious. At times, she got spooked and ran, but Ateyea never gave up. She followed slowly, letting Muffin see she meant no harm.
Hours passed. Then, in a small but significant shift, Muffin lay down behind Ateyea — her way of saying, I see you. I might be ready.
Eventually, Ateyea gently coaxed Muffin into her yard and lay beside her for two more hours, letting the pup get used to her presence. Though still too skittish for a leash, Muffin was finally starting to trust.
The next day, with Muffin safe at her side, Ateyea began searching for a forever home. Though her heart ached to keep her, Ateyea had already rescued several dogs and knew her home was at capacity. Still, she promised Muffin nothing but love — for however long she stayed.
“She was so excited to see me,” Ateyea said. “I’m so proud of her for opening up.”
A neighbor scanned Muffin for a microchip — there was none. It seemed clear she'd been abandoned. But in a twist of fate, she ended up outside the right home.
Over the following days, Muffin blossomed. With a bath, toys, vet care, and plenty of affection, her gentle, cuddly nature began to shine. She even won over Ollie, Ateyea’s foster pup, who’s typically reactive but took to Muffin instantly.
While Ateyea still plans to find Muffin her forever family, the little dog is thriving in her care. And it all started because one woman sat quietly in the grass, refusing to leave until a broken heart felt safe again.
