Well-known animal advocate and foster mom Isabel Klee is currently tending to her most recent rescue. Named after the famous ghost dog character in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Zero is a 12-year-old dog with significant health and behavioral challenges. He’s practically blind and still very skittish, so there hasn’t been a lot of interaction thus far.
The precious pooch has been with Klee and her fiancé for about a week and just took an important first step.
In the TikTok from @simonsits, Klee gave an update in the caption on how Zero has acclimated during his time there.
“To be totally honest, Zero’s journey has been very up and down,” she shared. “He’s struggling a lot with cognitive dysfunction and it hasn’t been easy.”
The video showed Zero resting in dog beds by himself rather than snuggling with his foster parents.
“He hasn’t been very affectionate so far, but last night something changed,” the onscreen text read as Zero got on the couch with Klee.
The rescue pup stood still as Klee gently placed her hands on him and kissed his forehead. He actually tilted his head up to sniff her and licked her nose.
“Because he can’t see or hear well and is in pain, he doesn’t like people in his space,” Klee explained in the onscreen text. “Because of that, I’ve respected his boundaries.”
Zero’s Gives a Sign of Trust
After just a few moments, Zero must have felt safe enough to test the waters even further. He took a giant leap of faith and actually lay down next to Klee so could pet him. The smile on her face expressed what a monumental step that was for the canine cutie as she continued covering him with kisses.
“Tonight, he sought me out for love and affection,” she noted as Zero got even more comfortable and clearly enjoyed every second of Klee’s gentle attention. “This was my first time kissing him! And once he felt that love, he didn’t want it to stop.”
Related: Foster Dog Bravely Tries to Take Bite of Chicken From Mom’s Hand and We’re Cheering
Zero kept nuzzling into Klee, inviting her to heap on the loving affection. He looked completely calm and relaxed, like he knew he was home.
“I’m so happy he is learning to let his guard down,” she shared.
With Klee’s tender care and patience, Zero is finally getting the love he deserves.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Dec 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.