Grief comes in all forms. No one is immune from it. Even animals.

Pictures began showing up online of a sad-looking dog who was walking dejectedly in a downpour in Detroit, Mich. No one knew what had happened to the devastated animal.

Something they did know, though, was that she appeared to have one thing to console herself with: a stuffed toy.

“I got some private messages and pictures of this dog carrying her stuffed toy, and it was raining in downtown Detroit, said Gail Montgomery, the cofounder of Almost Home Animal Rescue League.

It was gut-wrenching and heartbreaking.”

After finding help to catch the dog, now called Nikki, off the street, she was taken straight to the no-kill shelter to be looked over and cared for.

Montgomery said that Nikki had been wandering the streets since her owner had died months prior.

The time on her own had left Nikki with a host of problems.

“We took her to an emergency hospital, and they treated her. Unfortunately, she’s got heartworm disease and other internal problems. They found plastic bags, twigs, and bones in her stomach,” Montgomery said. 

Gail Montgomery, left, Nikki the rescue dog, and her new foster family. Photo courtesy of Almost Home Animal Rescue League

Thankfully, though, a foster home was found quickly for Nikki, allowing her to get the treatment she needs, as well as the love of a good family.

Because the grief of losing her owner, and the time spent alone, had left Nikki unable to cope properly.

“She was just totally stressed out,” Montgomery said.

Her body wasn’t really functioning properly because she was on the roads for so long.”

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Meredith Stepita said that often if a dog is stressed and anxious, they will hold on more to a comforting object, such as Nikki’s stuffed toy. She said that dogs will chew on the toy, helping to soothe and calm themselves.

Thankfully, time, and a good amount of healthy foods to eat, has led to a happier and more stable dog.

“She doesn’t even need her stuffy anymore. She’s constantly hugging her foster parents,” Montgomery said. “She still kind of sleeps on it, but she’s not obsessed with it like she was in Detroit when she was walking around.”

Nikki rests in her foster family’s yard. Photo courtesy of Almost Home Animal Rescue League

Her foster family has spent their time since getting Nikki, making sure she is spoiled.

“They’re giving her so much incredible love,” Montgomery said.

The rescuer wants this to be a lesson for others.

“I think that this is really a wake-up call for people. I think people see this, and it makes people realize that dogs are out there. Nikki’s not the only dog that’s wandering around Detroit. She just happened to have her stuffy with her, and it was raining. It was a perfect storm,” Montgomery said.

For a look at Nikki’s journey to her foster home, watch below.

Sources: My Positive Outlooks | People