If you’ve ever adopted a dog from a shelter, you already know they can have abandonment issues. There’s this extra layer of awareness and gratitude in everything they do, like they understand exactly what they’ve been given — and they’re still a little scared it could disappear just as fast. It’s sweet and heartbreaking all at once.
This little white mixed-breed pup was just rescued and brought to the groomer for some much needed TLC, but the second he’s up on the table and can’t see his new person, he goes into full panic mode.
He keeps craning his neck, stretching as far as he can to peek around the doorway, basically making sure his new parent didn’t leave him behind. He’s so locked in on finding them, like he just needs that reassurance that yes, his person is still right there and he’s finally safe. This will bring tears to your eyes.
The clip was shared to the TikTok account for @Marleine_tik, and people in the comments are sharing their own experiences with their own pups and their feelings about this touching video. One person said, “That poor baby. People don’t realize the damage they do, and what’s worse is they just don’t care. Give that baby all the love he deserves.”
Related: Ex-Street Dog’s ‘Moment of Realization’ Is the Sweetest in History
Someone else added, “I love animals so much more then humans.” Another person said, “Rescue dog mom here it’s true. They are so frightened to be left alone.” Another response was, “If anyone has ever rescued a pet, you know.”
If you’ve recently rescued your own dog or are planning to in the future, it’s such a wonderful thing to do. Here are some important tips to remember when you bring your own dog home from the shelter.
How To Help Your Rescue Dog Feel More Secure
The most important thing to remember is the 3-3-3 rule. It’s a simple way to understand how long it takes a rescue dog to truly settle in. The first 3 days are usually stressful while they decompress and figure out what’s going on. The first 3 weeks are when they start learning your routine and slowly trusting that this new life is real. And by 3 months, most rescue dogs finally start to feel safe, confident, and at home. Keeping a consistent routine, offering gentle reassurance, and giving them space to adjust will help them feel secure every step of the way.
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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Nov 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.