A timid foster dog’s growing bond with her new fosterer has warmed the hearts of viewers online.
The fragile rescue animal was captured getting closer to her fosterer, who is known online as @tracyfosterling, eventually moving her face near to her guardian’s and allowing for her head to be stroked.
The heartwarming moment was captured by the Florida-based fosterer and shared to TikTok on September 21, where it has since gained viral attention. Viewers online have been left moved by the canine’s growth in confidence and ease around her temporary guardian, and the viral clip has sparked discussion about the gentle nature of dogs.
“We as owners have the ability to view the stories of the dogs we care for,” Leigh Siegfried, an animal behaviorist, told Newsweek. “We can choose to see them, especially those that have been fostered or adopted, as either as victims of their circumstances or as survivors.”
Viewers were able to see the woman, an experienced dog fosterer who has five dogs and two cats, stroking her latest addition. She had filmed herself giving the dog space to get closer to her, in an attempt to gain her trust over time without overwhelming her with sudden affection. The fosterer mentioned in the comments section that the pet is called Kimber, but that she has given her the nickname, Nana.
An overlaid text on the video read: “POV: [Point of view] Your foster dog is starting to trust you and realize that not all people are bad.”
“Owners should see their dogs, particularly if they have gone through some kind of trauma, as survivors and understand that what the dog may need from them to become trusting again may be much different than what they think the dog needs,” Siegfried said.
The animal behaviorist said that owners and fosterers can help heal their pets’ emotional wounds over time, particularly in the context of a rescue animal struggling to adjust to a domesticated situation.
The post has been viewed more than 1.2 million times to date, and has led to over 1,200 comments about the needs of foster animals and Kimber’s progress.
“She looks like she wants you to get into your lap,” one viewer, @meant4mewillbe4me, said.
Another, @allabouteve0, added: “How people can be cruel to animals is beyond my understanding.”
“I have to stop opening TikTok just to cry at these kind of videos,” a third viewer, @lucasmorgan4146, shared.
Another, @doggokox, added: “I remember the moment my rescue trusted us so much she laid in between us on the bed. I promise to always give that privilege some won’t ever feel. I love her so much.”
“God, all they want is love,” another, @di64dog, commented.
The fosterer replied: “She really does, I see it in her eyes.”
The post had been captioned: “Some dogs have really never known a home or a kind hand.”
Newsweek has reached out to @tracyfosterling for more information via email and TikTok.
Stock image of a dog’s paw on the hand of a person. A woman has gained viral attention after sharing her foster dog’s growing bond with her.
Getty Images
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