Tiki, once labeled an “extremely fearful shutdown foster dog,” has become an internet sensation — and a symbol of hope.
Under the care of devoted foster mom Isabel Klee, Tiki began his journey filled with fear and uncertainty. He wouldn’t eat. He lashed out. He had accidents. He hid from touch, affection, and life itself. Klee, an experienced foster with New York-based Muddy Paws Rescue, called Tiki her “most difficult foster yet.”
That was just a month ago.
Now, after 27 days of unwavering patience and love — shared daily on TikTok and Instagram — Tiki has blossomed into a playful, cuddly, curious little dog. He’s undergone a dental procedure, climbed onto the couch, accepted affection, discovered toys, ventured outside, and most recently — leapt onto the bed, asking for snuggles.
A dog that behaviorists once considered beyond hope has become a rallying cry for resilience.
“I think Tiki is providing us all with some hope that we could all use right now,” Klee said in a recent video.
Tiki was first rescued by the ASPCA, then transferred to Muddy Paws Rescue, where he found himself in Klee’s home. As his online following grew, fans began asking how they could help. Klee’s answer: support the mission that saved him.
Now, there’s a new way to do just that — and to carry Tiki’s story into the world.
“I have worked with Muddy Paws Rescue to create a ‘Be Brave Like Tiki’ T-shirt,” Klee announced. “100% of the proceeds go back to Muddy Paws, which means these shirts will help us save so many more dogs just like Tiki.”
Designed by artist Hannah Simpson, the unisex shirts (sizes S–2XL, $40) are a wearable tribute to courage and compassion.
“While there’s only one Tiki, there are thousands of pups just like him in shelters and in our foster homes waiting for their chance to be chosen,” Muddy Paws shared. “This shirt reminds the world: If an extremely fearful, shutdown foster dog can be brave, anyone can be.”
The impact is already spreading. Hundreds have messaged Klee, saying they’ve been inspired to foster or adopt after following Tiki’s story. Even the comments on the shirt’s announcement overflow with purpose:
“You’re changing lives, Tiki. I think we’re getting our first fosters this weekend!”
“Our mama just ordered one. When we move into our new house, we hope to become foster brothers!”
Despite calls for her to adopt Tiki, Klee holds fast to her mission: making space for the next dog in need.
“Over 6 million animals enter the shelter system every year,” she said. “More than 600,000 are euthanized — some simply because there’s nowhere for them to go. There are millions of Tikis out there. They need me. They need us.”
Whether or not the shirts are a permanent fixture, their message is: bravery is contagious, and fostering saves lives.
“I know you all love Tiki,” Klee said. “I love him, too. Giving him up will be hard. But my greatest lesson in fostering is this: You don’t have to own something to love it. Sometimes you have to let that love go — and let it spread further and wider than you ever thought possible.”