Britt Woodward was feeling lonely and wanted to make a difference, so she decided to foster a dog during Hurricane Milton.
While searching for a pup to help ease the pressure on local shelters, she came across Bubby, a three-year-old terrier mix, and instantly felt a connection.
A Fateful Encounter
Britt, an interior designer from Miami, had initially planned to foster a dog for just a short time.
But when she met Bubby, everything changed.
“He is such an amazing dog and has been the biggest blessing in my life,” she shared.
After waiting two hours at the shelter on October 8, Britt learned that all her chosen dogs had already been adopted.
Feeling disheartened, she was led to a room filled with sick dogs needing homes without other pets.
That’s when she found Bubby.
The Perfect Match
The name “Bubby” felt like fate to Britt.
“I have nicknamed all my childhood dogs Bubby growing up, so I knew it was a sign,” she said.
Watch the heartwarming story here:
@brittmanifesting Replying to @Hi Hurricane Milton Foster fail update 🤭🐾Taking the next steps ❤️ I appreciate everyone who has reached out about Bubby, especially those offering to help – I have added my venmo to my bio and am so grateful for everyones support on here. I impulsively went to foster and found the best boy in the world ❤️ My next steps are going through the adoption process and getting Bubby more permanent supplies to welcome him home officially ❤️😭🥰🎉 #hurricanemilton #animalrescue #fosterfail #dogsoftiktok #pitbull #pitbullsoftiktok #fostercare #fostermom #fosterdog #milton #miltonupdate #florida #floridadog #adoptionjourney #adoptionstory #adoption #shelterdog #dogshelter ♬ original sound – ✨🦋 Britt Manifesting 🦋✨
She took him home and was amazed at how well-trained and loving he was.
“He just wants to cuddle 24/7,” she added.
Britt recalled the scene at the shelter: “I picked him up, and there were even puddles then. It’s an open-air facility with no A/C, and it floods easily even when it rains for an hour or two.”
A Rocky Start
When Britt brought Bubby home, he wasn’t in the best shape.
“He was definitely pretty stinky, a little shy, and had some skin patches missing,” she explained.
He also had an upper respiratory infection, making him feel under the weather.
Going Viral
To help Bubby settle in, Britt created a TikTok video sharing his Amazon wish list.
The response was overwhelming; people rallied together to support the lovable pup.
“I made a video on little ways to help, which got a much bigger response than I expected,” she said.
Soon enough, everything on Bubby’s wish list was purchased!
Britt then created another wish list for donations to the shelter and other dog homes affected by the hurricane.
Healing Together
Since adopting Bubby, he has played a significant role in helping Britt cope with her grief after losing her aunt Eileen to pancreatic cancer in August.
“I think my Aunt Eileen sent him to me from heaven to help my healing journey,” she reflected.
The only note Britt received from the shelter about Bubby was that he was the “sweetest boy.”
A Cuddly Companion
Bubby’s primary mission in life seems to be cuddling.
“He gets little bursts of playful energy, loves chewing on his toys, and has a plushy penguin the shelter gave us that he just loves,” Britt shared.
And it’s not just his cuteness that stands out; Britt believes he understands her too!
“His personality is hilarious. It seems like he always knows what you’re saying. I swear he’s half human,” she joked.
Weathering the Storm
Thankfully, Hurricane Milton didn’t cause significant damage to the shelter.
However, Britt emphasized that shelters face challenges year-round due to Florida’s harsh climate.
“This shelter is a prime example of how these animals need help year-round, especially with the Florida heat,” she stated.
Organizations like the ASPCA play crucial roles in providing relief during hurricane season by rescuing stranded animals and relocating pets from damaged shelters.
A Newfound Faith in Humanity
Bubby’s story has touched many hearts online.
Supporters expressed their joy over how quickly his wish list items were fulfilled.
“Omg I went over to your Amazon wish list, and everything has been bought! That makes me sooo freaking happy,” one fan commented.
Others offered helpful tips for Bubby to adjust to his new home.
“Three days, three weeks, three months rule. Three days to decompress, three weeks to learn the routine, and three months to realize it’s his home and show his true personality,” one viewer advised.
All the kindness has moved Britt from strangers: “He has shown me new faith in humanity.”
Encouraging Others
She encourages everyone to get involved in animal welfare.
“There are so many animals out there that really need us,” she said passionately.
“If you have the capacity to help, there are many ways— even just volunteering to walk a dog at the shelter.”
Britt’s journey with Bubby is not just about finding companionship; it’s about healing and showing how love can flourish even in tough times!
