A woman was set on fostering a dog to help alleviate shelter pressures during Hurricane Milton, but she couldn’t help but keep him forever.
Britt Woodward (@brittmanifesting), a 27-year-old interior designer from Miami, found herself feeling lonely and eager to help animals in need when she stumbled upon Bubby, a 3-year-old terrier mix, in a nearby shelter.
“He is such an amazing dog and has been the biggest blessing in my life,” she shared with Newsweek.
Woodward shared an appeal on TikTok for wishlist items to help him settle in. The video went viral, attracting 1 million views and 123,100 likes.
Initially, Woodward contacted Miami Dade Animal Services in Medley, Florida, intending to foster a dog and ease the shelter’s overcrowding as Hurricane Milton approached.
She initially visited the shelter on October 8 with the intent of fostering. After a two-hour wait, she discovered that all four dogs she had considered had already been taken in.
Bubby the rescue pup and rescuer Britt Woodward. Woodward felt an instant connection with Bubby and he has helped her grieve her aunt.
@brittmanifesting/@brittmanifesting
Then, she was led to a room of sick dogs who needed homes without other pets, where she found Bubby.
The name felt like fate: “I have nicknamed all my childhood dogs Bubby growing up, so I knew it was a sign. I took him home, and I’ve been so impressed with how well-trained, loving, and perfect he is. He just wants to cuddle 24/7.”
Woodward vividly 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, so I wanted to do what I could to help, especially in case of a hurricane.”
She described Bubby’s condition when she brought him home: “He was definitely pretty stinky, a little shy, and had some skin patches missing. He also had an upper respiratory infection, so he was a bit sick.”
A Viral Wish List
Woodward’s TikTok video guided followers to Bubby’s Amazon wishlist, which quickly sold out as fans rallied to support the lovable pup.
“I made a video on little ways to help, which got a much bigger response than I expected. They bought everything on his wishlist! So, I decided to make a new one for donations to his shelter and for dog homes that were flooded in the hurricane,” she told Newsweek.
Since their journey began, Bubby has helped Woodward process her grief after losing her beloved aunt, Eileen, to pancreatic cancer in August.
“I think my Aunt Eileen sent him to me from heaven to help my healing journey. So, I decided to adopt him,” she said.
Two more photos of Bubby. The rescue dog has settled incredibly well into his new home.
Britt Woodward/Britt Woodward
The only note Woodward received from the animal shelter about Bubby was “sweetest boy.”
Woodward says the pup’s main mission in life is to cuddle. “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. He doesn’t destroy it!”
And Bubby’s appeal extends beyond his cuteness—Woodward swears he understands her.
“His personality is hilarious. It seems like he always knows what you’re saying. I swear he’s half human,” she joked.
Thankfully, Hurricane Milton didn’t cause any substantial damage to the shelter. However, Woodward emphasized the year-round challenges the facility faces, noting that even mild weather events can be harsh on animals due to the lack of air conditioning.
“This shelter is a prime example of how these animals need help year-round, especially with the Florida heat,” she said.
Animal shelters in Florida often face severe strain during hurricane season, and organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals play a critical role in relief efforts.
Following hurricanes, the ASPCA deploys teams to affected areas, bringing much-needed resources, rescuing stranded animals, and relocating pets from flooded or damaged shelters.
A Newfound Faith in Humanity
Bubby’s story has captured hearts online, with fans expressing their delight over his wishlist’s rapid fulfillment.
“Omg I went over to your Amazon wishlist, and everything has been bought! That makes me sooo freaking happy,” one supporter commented.
Others offered tips on helping Bubby settle in.
“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.
Woodward has been touched by the outpouring of support and marvels at the kindness of strangers: “He has shown me new faith in humanity. Everyone loves him everywhere I go. He is truly an angel; his energy is so healing.”
She concluded with a heartfelt message, encouraging others to get involved in animal welfare.
“There are so many animals out there that really need us. If you have the capacity to help, there are many ways, even just volunteering to walk a dog at the shelter. They always need supplies, and there are many ways to help besides adoption,” she added.
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