Injured dog nurtured back to health as act of strangers touches Brits

A woman fostering an injured dog received an unexpected “perfect festive present” from strangers, which could pave the way for new beginnings for animals seeking nothing more than affection. The devoted dog lover documented her fostering experience in a heartfelt TikTok video that has touched viewers deeply.

The woman, who goes by Sheldon The Retriever on social media, explained that when she first welcomed the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the animal was suffering from injuries that prevented it from walking. Now, Podge the dog can romp with other animals and “love loudly,” the woman caring for her revealed.

Podge marked her first fostering experience, and the kindness of strangers made the journey truly memorable. She was astonished by what one couple did after she rehabilitated the dog.

In the video, she revealed: “I have some incredibly bad news. Well, to be honest with you, it depends on what you deem as bad news. Podge got adopted today, and it was in this moment I realised that this was the last time I was going to be putting her to bed.

“Podge is my first foster dog with the RSPCA, and I have been nursing her back to health after her leg surgery. Myself and the centre have been messed around a couple of times with a couple of potential adopters that never actually came, and then enters Ollie and Nicole.”

She added: “They travelled seven hours, and seven hours back on the same day to collect Podge. In true Podge fashion, she took all of 0.7 seconds to warm up to them, and then the most incredible thing happened.

“So I’m covering Podge’s adoption fee and, instead of them just taking that, they decided to match it and [give] that donation to the centre instead. While Podge officially became theirs, while they went and did their paperwork, I left them to it so I could have my last moments with her before handing over Podge to her official forever home.”

In her message, she expressed gratitude to RSPCA Southport for the fostering opportunity and was delighted Podge had secured a loving new home. Despite the sadness of parting ways, she’s overjoyed knowing Podge will be cherished.

Podge will “forever hold a place in her heart”, despite having to bid farewell. Yet the couple’s extraordinarily kind contribution to the centre was arguably the finest Christmas present she could have hoped for.

Since being posted, thousands of people have viewed the video. Hundreds also chimed in to share their thoughts.

One viewer commented: “I lost my Staffy a year ago. They are truly such amazing dogs. Thank you for helping Podge get back on her feet, and enabling her to find a forever home.”

Another said: “God, this made me cry. The best girl.” A third added: “Fostering is so important. Literally saves lives.”

A fourth person remarked: “This is the best news ever. Why are we all crying?” Another chipped in: “So happy for Podge, but my heart goes out to you. You are incredible.”

On the subject of animal fostering, the RSPCA website explains: “We rely on fosterers to provide temporary homes for the animals in our care. Fostering an animal can help them recover from neglect, abuse, illness or injury.

“These are the first steps towards finding a new, loving forever home. When you foster an animal you’ll also be freeing up space in our centres so that we can rescue more animals in desperate need.”

For further details on how you can assist, visit the website.