Life in a shelter can be overwhelming for dogs, especially those who are more sensitive or easily frightened. However, what many people don’t realize is how dramatically a dog’s behavior can change with just a little patience and care. One viral video of a shelter dog’s joyful reaction after a simple bath is the perfect example, and it’s melting hearts everywhere.
TikTok video shows shelter dog doing little hops after bath
A video posted by shelter volunteer Kayla on the TikTok account @rosieandtheshelterpups shows a side of Stevie, a shelter pup, that not many get to see. The video opens with a caretaker gently drying Stevie off after a bath. She may not have loved the bathing process, but her reaction afterward says it all — her tail wagging happily and her tiny, joyful hops lighting up the room. Wrapped in a cozy bathrobe and later seen snuggled up in a bed with a blanket, Stevie looks like a completely different dog from the one usually seen in her kennel.
According to Kayla, shelter life has been particularly hard on Stevie. In her kennel, she becomes scared and reactive, barking and growling — behaviors that might lead some to believe she’s aggressive or “un-adoptable.” But once outside that environment, she’s completely different: calm, sweet, and craving love. Kayla explains that much of Stevie’s progress is thanks to Hannah, the shelter’s New Hope Coordinator, who has been giving Stevie extra one-on-one time. Every day, Hannah brings Stevie into her office to relax away from the noise and chaos, and it’s made a clear difference.
Kayla also shared how she visits Stevie daily, bringing her a peanut butter-filled Kong toy. “She takes it SO gently but clearly loves it,” Kayla said, adding that Stevie would thrive in a quiet home with someone who values snuggles, short walks, and slow introductions to new experiences.
Many viewers flooded the comments with love for Stevie, with one person writing, “The hops AND the robe? I’m in tears.” Others praised Hannah’s dedication, saying, “She’s a real one. Every shelter needs a Hannah.” Another comment read, “I’d adopt her in a heartbeat. She just needs someone to see her.”
