Dog With Tiny Legs Getting Lift in Backpack Melts Hearts Online

A tired terrier getting a lift in her owner's backpack is delighting people online.

Shared to TikTok on Tuesday by Vanessa Ruck (@thegirlonabike), the clip shows Sky the dog trying and failing to climb into her owner's backpack—eventually succeeding—and getting a bike ride through the forest.

Since being posted, the video has received 1.1 million views and more than 120,000 likes from TikTokers obsessed with Sky's tiny legs and love of bike rides.

How Do I Know if My Dog Is Too Tired?

Although walks are crucial for a dog's mental and physical health, it's not uncommon for older dogs or breeds with small legs to get tired on long journeys.

Nell Ostermeier—a veterinarian and American Kennel Club (AKC) Pet Insurance spokesperson—told Newsweek that dogs show obvious signs when they are too tired or uncomfortable to continue a walk.

"Typical signs include lagging behind on the leash, heavier or more consistent panting, dragging their hind feet and stopping to sit down or lay down during a walk," she said.

Older dogs also need more help regulating their body temperature, so it's extra important to monitor their activity level.

"In these cases, the pet owner won't know until after the fact that it was a bit too much exercise," Ostermeier said. "The dog will act sore, have difficulty getting up and down, appear stiff when moving, or sleep for a long period of time.

"If this happens, it means that during the next walk, exercise or play session, the dog owner will need to be vigilant and end the session earlier."

For dogs with weak or wobbly limbs, Ostermeier recommends booties with toe grips or traction. She also says owners of senior dogs should take their pet for a walk at least twice a day—one for joint lubrication and muscle strength, and another just for fun—but tailor the time limit to your dog's age and mobility.

If your small dog is struggling, Ostermeier urges picking them up and carrying them home, especially if they have arthritis or a musculoskeletal condition.

"It is best not to push them and to give them a 'lift' instead," she said.

'My Chariot Please, Mummy'

Filmed during a break in a 10-mile bike ride through a forest, in the video, Vanessa asks Sky if she would like a lift, with the pint-sized pooch trotting over.

"The fact that she's walked towards me means 'Yes, mummy, I'm tired,'" Vanessa says. "She's run a good couple of miles [and] she has teeny legs."

The seven-year-old Yorkshire Terrier-cross then attempts to climb into Vanessa's empty backpack, but can't quite figure it out, jumping in, front feet first.

"You're not doing a very good job," Vanessa says to the dog. "Is this your 'I'm tired' attempt to get in the bag?'"

Vanessa then picks up Sky and drops her in bottom-first, but she sits down in the wrong place.

"I'm doing it on camera, and you're doing it all wrong," Vanessa says, laughing.

Fortunately, the third time's the charm, and once her dog is safely secured, Vanessa puts the bag on her back, and the pair hop on her bike. The bag has a gap for Sky's head to poke through, with the cute canine seemingly enjoying the ride.

Vanessa told Newsweek that she got the idea while reminiscing about her childhood pet.

"Growing up as kids we used to go cycling a lot and my parents had a little Papillion dog who went in a shopping basket on the handlebars of the bike," she said. "On my mountain bike, a shopping basket would look a little bit ridiculous, but I knew there must be a way to take my favorite fluffy friend with me out on adventures."

Vanessa said that Sky loves running, but can't run very far. The backpack allows her to run while she has the energy and rest when she's worn out.

"I googled online and came across this idea," she said. "I tested it on a random bag that I had with a bungee. I thought they must be a proper dog solution. Now we are a match made in heaven."

TikTok users couldn't get enough of Sky's adorable attempts to climb into the bag, or her happy little face while riding on Vanessa's back.

"The dog has performance anxiety from the camera being on i think," wrote Mox, while Nickshergar commented, "This absolutely made my entire week."

"'My chariot please Mummy,'" posted Erin, while user7699839876365 commented: "That's not going to work with my 38kg golden retriever."

Update 10/24/22, 8:10 a.m. ET: This article was updated to include more information and comment from Vanessa Ruck.