Tiki, the “extremely fearful shutdown foster dog,” has taken the internet by storm.
A foster dog in the care of dedicated dog mom Isabel Klee, Tiki was what she called her “most difficult foster yet.”
But that was about a month ago.
From humble beginnings of debilitating fear, biting, accidents, and no desire to eat, Tiki has become full of personality and bravery, with Klee sharing milestones of his healing journey on TikTok and Instagram every day for the past 27 days.
In just a few weeks, Tiki has had a dental procedure, hopped on the couch, sat in Klee’s lap, accepted lots of pets and kisses, ventured outdoors, played with toys, and most recently, jumped on the bed to seek cuddles.
This dog — who behaviorists considered giving up on — has transformed into a playful and spunky character that has given countless viewers a shared goal to root for: The triumph of little Tiki.
“I think Tiki is providing us all with some hope that we could all use right now,” Klee said in a recent video.
The little mutt — with a distinctly adorable white mask — was initially saved by the ASPCA and then put into the care of Muddy Paws Rescue, a New York-based animal rescue which Klee has long supported as a foster parent.
And when Tiki’s fans inevitably ask how they can support his journey, Klee has encouraged them to donate to the rescue nonprofit.
But now, she said in a new video, his fanbase can do something “even better.”
“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 T-shirts will help us save so many more dogs just like Tiki.”
The shirts were designed by artist Hannah Simpson and are available in unisex sizes S-2XL. They cost $40 each.
“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 in an Instagram post about the shirts.
“That’s why we launched this limited edition ‘Be Brave Like Tiki’ shirt, reminding the world that if an extremely fearful shutdown foster dog can be brave, anyone can be.”
Klee has shared that hundreds of people have sent her messages saying they’ve been inspired to foster or adopt a dog after discovering Tiki’s story online.
Even the comment section on the T-shirt announcement garnered similar support.
“You're changing lives Tiki,” one person wrote. “I think we're getting our first fosters this weekend!”
“Our mama just ordered one,” an account from the perspective of two dogs added. “When we move into our new house we hope to become foster brothers! You and Tiki have inspired us.”
Although Klee continues to get comments urging her to adopt Tiki as her own, she doubles down on her commitment to all foster dogs.
“Over 6 million animals enter the shelter system every single year. Shelters all over the country are over capacity, with pop-up kennels filling the hallways just to try to make more space,” she said in a recent video.
“Not only that, but over 600,000 animals were euthanized last year, some of which because there’s simply no place for them to go. So, there are millions of Tikis around the world. Millions of Tikis who need me and need us.”
While it’s unclear how long these shirts will be available and how much money they may raise, they are a symbol of a growing movement to encourage animal fostering all around the world.
“I know you all love Tiki,” Klee concluded in her video. “I love him, too, and giving him up will be so hard. But my greatest lesson in fostering is that 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.”
Tiki’s shirts are now available to purchase online.
Header images courtesy of Muddy Paws Rescue
