Rescue dogs can be extra grateful when they finally find their forever homes, and none more so than Baxter, who was rescued by TikTok user @mfccatalinawinemixer.
Instead of taking some time to adjust to his new surroundings, Baxter wasted no time in making himself comfortable, lying on his owner's bed right next to her, and trying to get as close to her as possible.
"The shelter said that Baxter is 1.5 yrs, 7lbs, and some sort of terrier mix. After further investigation, and with the help of folks on TikTok, seems like he has some chihuahua in him too," revealed Ava Rose Madarieta, aged 20, a student and filmmaker.
She explained that Baxter was taken in as a stray and was reported to be nervous around people. He was adopted in April, "but that didn't last long," said Madarieta. "His behavioral notes say that he did not get along with other dogs in a previous home snapped at the owner and children when overstimulated. He was back at the shelter two weeks later."
In a video that has over 2.3 million views on TikTok, Madarieta can be seen lying down, with Baxter putting one of his front legs across her face.
"I adopted him from Palm Springs Animal Shelter on June 25 and we instantly connected," said Madarieta. "I sat down in front of his kennel and let him smell my hand under the partition. While all of the dogs were barking, he didn't make a peep.
"When we got him home Baxter immediately followed me everywhere. When I laid down to play with him I noticed he wanted to be very close to my face, not only that, but he seemed very content being next to me or placing his paw on me."
"Update on the shelter dog I got a couple of days ago," the OP says in the video. "He has to have a paw on me at all times or put his face on me."
As the OP says this Baxter collapses onto her.
At one point he puts his paw over her mouth and rubs his head on her face.
"Yeah, so this is how it's going," she finishes.
"Oh my heart! The paw on you is his way of petting you back, or hugging you. He's so grateful you saved him," commented one user.
"I'm so grateful for him," the OP replied.
"Any nervousness dissipated (that is, until the garbage man comes!)," she added. "And he insists on burrowing and sleeping in my bed with me. Our family home is very calm with very few noises and I think that helped him settle in.
"He seems to understand the good in people. I know that dogs have a different perspective then people do, and when you're only 7lbs, the world can seem like a scary place. I was very gentle and loving with him which I think gave him some comfort."
There are many advantages to rescuing a pet rather than purchasing one, not only the unconditional love shown by Baxter in this video.
"Once adopted, pets from shelters and rescue groups typically cost less than pets purchased or even acquired for free, when you add in the cost of vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, flea and tick treatment and de-wormer included in your adoption fee," report The Humane Society of the United States on their website.
"Shelter and rescue groups also provide advice on making your relationship with your pet the best it can be. Many organizations offer free behavior support. Some may negotiate with a future landlord with you, provide free pet food if you're facing financial challenges or offer veterinary care for your pet through a clinic," they add.
"Baxter instantly uplifted my life when I didn't know that I needed it," said Madarieta. "I had been looking for a dog, but it was never the right dog or time. I knew what a big decision that adopting is, so I never wanted to force the decision."
Users on TikTok loved the sweet video.
"My heart exploded watching this! Bless his heart, he feels at home & is making up for lost time. Bring on the loving," commented one user,
Another said: "He's just saying—You stay right here where I need you."
"That's to make sure you don't leave. That's pure love," said another.
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.
Update 7/4/23, 3:27 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from the original poster.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Leonie Helm is a Newsweek Life Reporter and is based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on all things ... Read more
