Foster Dog ‘Learning to Be a Puppy All Over Again’ Melts Hearts

A video of a foster dog discovering toys for the first time has captivated viewers on TikTok.

The video, posted by user @simonsits, has amassed more than 565,000 views since it was shared on June 14. The viral clip shows a glimpse of the dog’s journey as she learns to embrace toys and playtime in her new environment.

The footage begins with the dog walking around a room with a toy in her mouth. Text overlaid on the video said, “Our foster dog has started to discover toys.”

“She doesn’t really know what to do with them,” the text continued, “but she appreciates them anyway.” The footage then shows the dog lying on the floor, gently holding the toy in her mouth with her tail wagging. A caption accompanying the post said, “One day at a time.”

One viewer commented, “She’s learning to be a puppy all over again.”

Newsweek has contacted @simonsits for comment via TikTok and email. This video has not been independently verified.

The video highlights the significance of patience and care in the rehabilitation and adjustment of foster pets. For many dogs who enter foster care, toys can represent new experiences full of both curiosity and trepidation. Over time, these items can transform from mere objects into sources of comfort, entertainment and security, marking essential steps in the animal’s journey toward well-being and happiness.

The dog in the viral post may later become attached to her toys and even fiercely protective of them.

A November 2012 study published in Animal Cognition found that “domestic dogs are reported to show intense but transient neophilia [a love for all things new] towards novel objects.”

In an article for VCA, one of North America’s largest animal hospital chains, veterinarians Debra Horwitz and Gary Landsberg wrote, “Novel and highly desirable objects, such as a tissue that has been stolen from a garbage can, a favorite toy, human food, or a piece of rawhide are some of the items that dogs may aggressively protect.”

The story of the foster dog in the viral clip seems to have resonated with TikTok users.

One viewer wrote, “As she learns she’s happy and safe … [it] will be a play thing, right now it’s more of a security blanket.”

Another said, “This is a Lovely Angel,” while a user wrote, “I’m literally crying, she’s so precious.”

The dog’s emerging confidence and happiness did not go unnoticed. A user said that the pup was “coming out of her shell.” Another wrote, “Just when we all think you can’t get ANY cuter.”

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