A video of a dog playing alone at a dog park has tugged at heartstrings across the internet after it appeared that no one wanted to chase her.
Oats, a 1-year-old Australian shepherd, was captured roaming the park in search of a playmate, by her owner @oatstheaussie. Despite her hopeful barks and playful demeanor, no other pups took her up on her offer. The video, posted to TikTok, has since racked up 17.3 million views and 4.2 million likes.
“When we saw no dogs wanted to play with her, we were devastated. Like all Aussies, Oats really just wants to play and she has tons of energy. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body and is always looking for new dog friends,” her owners, Mia and Scott, told Newsweek.
“When no one wants to chase your dog at the dog park,” reads the text overlaying the clip, which shows Oats pacing, glancing around, and even lying down in a classic canine invitation to play.
“The little barks to see if anyone wants to play,” the caption adds, summing up the heartbreaking scene.
Australian shepherds are highly intelligent and energetic dogs, originally bred to herd livestock, and they thrive when given a job to do or a way to expend their boundless energy, according to the American Kennel Club.
The pawrents described Oats as: sassy, vocal, loyal and sweet, who loves playing and has main character energy.
When dogs invite others to play, their body language says it all. My Pet Matters explains that dogs often employ a “play bow” by lowering their front legs and keeping their rear up, or they may bounce around, bark softly, or present a toy—all universal signs in the canine world that say, “Let’s play!”
TikTokers were quick to flood the comments with sympathy for Oats.
“Okay now post a happy video of him pls,” one viewer begged.
“Him looking back at you for reassurance,” another user noted, clearly moved by the dog’s hopeful glances.
A split image showing Oats the Australian shepherd looking for a friend.
@oatstheaussie/@oatstheaussie
Others shared similar experiences.
“I always feel bad taking my BC to the dog park cuz dogs always shun her, even though she has the biggest heart after all she went through before adopting her. We end up just having our own pup party away from them,” wrote Richie.
“I started crying the second I finished reading,” said one user.
“I used to cry when I would see video of my dog at daycare and none of the dogs would play with him,” shared Les.
But Oats’s story didn’t end in loneliness. A follow-up video posted by her owner delivered the joyful update everyone was hoping for: Oats had finally made a friend at the park.
“POV: she finally found someone to bark at AND chase,” reads the caption of the second clip, which shows Oats gleefully running alongside another dog. The video has since been viewed 1.4 million times.
TikTokers were quick to celebrate the happy ending.
“I’m happy now!! I was crying when I saw the first part,” said Nyda.
“I can sleep peacefully now,” another user chimed in.
“I feel like a proud mother,” one viewer shared.
“Once she found a sweet corgi that was ready to play, we were ecstatic because Oats could get her much needed playtime at the dog park,” the owners concluded.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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