The internet’s heart melted after a video captured the moment a foster dog finally felt relaxed at his temporary home.
Rescue dogs often need time to adjust to a new home environment. The general rule of thumb suggests owners follow the 3-3-3 adjustment period, which means giving a dog three days to decompress from their previous situation, three weeks to settle and adjust to a routine and three months to feel completely at home.
But once a dog unwinds, it gives owners a sigh of relief knowing they’ve done well, which is what happened for a foster parent known on TikTok as @dashboard_doggos.
In a June 5 TikTok video, a small puppy nestled himself on the couch against the back cushions. He put all four paws up in the air. He stretched his arms out as far as possible to relax his muscles. When he released, his front paws plopped down on his exposed stomach, ready for his nap.
He made himself right at home, taking up space on the couch and claiming it as his. Plus, with his belly out in the open, he showed his current family how trustworthy he was of them.
An article from Pets Best, a pet health insurance company, explained that dogs will expose their bellies as a form of communication. Oftentimes, dogs who roll over and show their belly feel safe and secure. They show they have nothing to fear. It could also mean they’re trying to cool down, are being submissive, initiating play or seeking attention.
In this case, the foster pup felt “safe and sound” in his home, knowing that his quality of life has significantly increased thanks to the family and a giant, comfy couch. What brought the foster parent to tears was “that big stretch & little sigh,” the caption read.
Newsweek reached out to @dashboard_doggos via TikTok
Viewer Reactions
The TikTok video reached over 254,600 views and nearly 60,000 likes as of Tuesday, with users crying tears of joy over the dog’s relaxation technique.
“He really just stretched all his worries out. Relaxed to the max,” wrote one viewer.
A second person added: “It’s the sigh of relief for me.”
Another pointed out: “Doggos that sleep on their back feel safe and secure with the environment and trust you.”
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