The moment a fearful shelter dog put her trust in a volunteer trainer brought people to tears.
A dog trainer, known on TikTok as @theadaptivek9, worked with Rayn as part of a long-term training process. This pup came into the shelter from a backyard breeder case, the dog trainer told Newsweek via TikTok, adding that the animal was “just skin and bones.”
The trainer said Rayn had a bite history and severe fear aggression whenever new people approach her kennel. She added that she thinks the biting was due to people sticking their hands through the kennel gates without acknowledging the dog’s fearful body language.
“She’s a sweet girl, but she’s literally scared of people because of people forcing interactions, shoving their hands in her face,” the trainer said.
With Rayn’s history and forced interaction, the trainer expected it to be a long process to work on her behavior, but the patience paid off. The nearly 1-year-old dog warmed up to her relatively quickly.
In her March 31 TikTok clip, the trainer sat on the ground outside during her second session with Rayn. She allowed the dog to come up to her on her own terms. Rayn brought over a dog toy and dropped it next to the trainer.
The canine gathered up the courage to accept treats from the trainer and even accepted pets. And when Rayn finally realized this human was “safe,” she plopped down and put her head in the trainer’s lap.
“I didn’t force Rayn to do anything,” the trainer said. “I let her approach me, I let her be in ‘control,’ I respected her body language and what she told me.”
Rayn became more comfortable as their interaction went on. She went as far as exposing her belly for additional pets. She looked up at this trusting human with eyes full of love. Her confidence was coming back.
The TikTok video amassed over 149,000 views and more than 29,500 likes as of Wednesday, as viewers instantly fell in love with Rayn.
“The way I would be bawling the moment she melts,” wrote one person.
Another added: “Poor baby, but also such a lucky girl for you to take the time to help her establish trust in humans again. Your soul is gold, babe.”
A third user commented: “Dogs are living proof of how we should be. Loving, forgiving, selfless. Love us in any way, shape or form.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
The post Sweetest Moment Fearful Shelter Dog Decides Volunteer Is a ‘Safe’ Human appeared first on Newsweek.
