08/20/2026
Sweet Pea: Her Amazing Journey / Ferel to ADOPTED.
Why We Never Give Up – Why Being a Foster Parent is So Important & Rewarding.
Four years ago, Sweet Pea came to Countryside Animal Rescue with a litter of puppies after being rescued from a horrible hoarding situation. We were told she was about 10 years old.
Sweet Pea was terrified and wanted nothing to do with people. She and her puppies went into a foster home, where we quickly learned that she loved other dogs but was terrified of human touch. Any attempt to pick her up or handle her would result in a bite.
Her puppies grew, found their forever homes, and Sweet Pea eventually returned to Countryside. We tried and tried to earn her trust. Over time, she learned to love the staff in her own special way. She would come up and give kisses to an outstretched hand, but she still wouldn't allow anyone to pet or pick her up.
Then Sweet Pea found a very special purpose. She became our surrogate mama to frightened puppies and scared dogs coming into the rescue. She understood their fear in a way we couldn't. She gave them comfort, confidence and companionship and helped them learn that they were safe.
As the years passed, we accepted that Sweet Pea might live the rest of her life with us. She was happy, secure, and comfortable with her routine. Countryside was her home.
About six months ago, Cora, a member of the Four Paws team, decided to foster Sweet Pea. Cora didn't force affection or expect Sweet Pea to change. She simply gave her space and allowed her to become part of the pack at her own pace. She brought Sweet Pea to daycare with her, transporting her safely in a crate, and slowly something began to happen.
Sweet Pea realized Cora was her person.
For years, we could see that Sweet Pea wanted to trust people. She wanted that connection, but something inside her just wouldn't allow her to completely give in.
And then one day, she did.
Sweet Pea started jumping into Cora's lap. She allowed Cora to pet her. She even began snuggling with her on the bed—things we honestly wondered if Sweet Pea would ever be able to experience. Cora still doesn't attempt to pick her up. She continues to respect Sweet Pea's boundaries and lets Sweet Pea decide what she's ready for and when.
This is another one of our amazing stories about a feral dog—and this is exactly why we don't give up on a dog simply because they are difficult, fearful, or take longer to trust!
Sweet Pea needed something that couldn't be rushed. She needed time, patience, consistency, and a foster parent willing to accept her exactly as she was.
This is the true meaning of foster parenting.
****** Fostering isn't always about taking home an easy dog for a few weeks. Sometimes it's about giving a frightened dog the one thing they've never had—a safe home where nobody expects anything from them. A place where they can finally learn, at their own pace, that people can be kind and that love doesn't have to be frightening. *********
Sweet Pea spent years helping scared puppies and dogs learn how to feel safe.
Then Cora gave Sweet Pea that same gift.
******* This is why we don't give up. This is why foster homes matter. And this is what makes rescue work so incredibly rewarding.
******* Some dogs just need more time. Sweet Pea needed four years. And she was worth every single day!
******** Congratulations, Sweet Pea, You’re Adopted !
******** Thank You, Cora, for giving Sweet Pea the chance she
deserves!
