The moment of a pet parent trying to convince her rescue dog to come inside brought viewers to tears, giving them a glimpse into the dedication it takes to make a rescue animal feel comfortable.
Rescue animals are often terrified of going into their forever homes. They come with trauma, abuse and fears. A simple task that people might think of, such as coming inside or hearing a door close, can be frightening. For many animals, it might weeks or months to finally feel comfortable, which is why time and patience will be an owner’s best tool.
Annie Hoskins, who is known on TikTok as @ahoskins917, and her family recently welcomed home a rescue dog Baloo, but they quickly learned he’s afraid of everything. He refused any dog treats they tried to give him. He became stressed if people looked at him while walking. And while he didn’t mind the car, he was nervous going in and out.
One challenge the family met with Baloo was bringing him back inside. Hoskins shared in a February 17 video the method she used to help carefully lure him back. Because he is terrified of doggy leashes and never trained on one, using a leash to bring him inside was out of the question. Instead, she started encouraging him with high-value treats.
She placed the food down in a trail, hoping that would slowly lead him through the door and into the house. However, Hoskins shared in the clip that it took over an hour for it to work, although, she didn’t mind how long.
She wrote in the video: “I will do this every day for the rest of my life if that shows him he’s safe.”
Screenshots from a February 17 TikTok video of a pet parent using treats and food to lure her scared rescue dog back inside.
@ahoskins917/TikTok
“He’s actually starting to come in on his own as long as no one is in sight and it’s quiet,” Hoskins told Newsweek via TikTok. “He’s making progress every day!”
She added that they sometimes have to herd him to get inside, but otherwise, he’s come a long way from how it started.
TikTok Users Reacts
Annie’s efforts with Baloo quickly touched people’s hearts and as of Wednesday, the TikTok video amassed over 1.7 million views, 57,300 likes and 1,221 comments.
“We all need to feel safe. You are creating a safe space for a return into the safety of your home, his home. Thank you,” said one viewer.
Another person shared: “My boy was like this with cars, then one day he just… jumped in and never looked back. Baloo will do the same. You’re an amazing mama.”
A third person commented: “It breaks my heart, but as soon as the trust is restored the love they give is unconditional.”
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