Some adoptions happen over weeks of planning, while others are decided in a single afternoon. Sometimes, life just sends you a sign that you need to get that dog. Before you can even think about it, that dog might completely change your life.
For one woman going for her morning run, that is exactly what happened. While on her run, Amy Kanakuri of Oahu, Hawaii, saw a dog that followed her for a while. The dog was friendly, wagging her tail and running alongside her. She got back home, but she couldn’t stop thinking about the dog she had seen.
The next day, she decided to go back and check on her. And surprise, surprise, she found the dog in the exact same spot. Many stray dogs remain in the same area, hoping that someone will come back for them. And for this lucky girl, someone did.
After taking the dog to the vet to check whether she was microchipped, the woman made a life-changing decision. She wanted to adopt the stray dog. As she says in the video, “I didn’t expect to get a dog this morning. But I just wanted her to be safe. I think now we have a dog.”
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The Internet’s Reaction
Kanakuri (@followamyhere) doesn’t have a huge TikTok following. But the story quickly went viral, receiving more than 2.6 million likes. Almost 20,000 people commented, writing things like, “poor baby, happy you found her,” “she’s gonna be safe and loved,” and “congrats on your new baby.” But as one commenter put it plainly, “she chose you.”
Stories like this are what make the world feel a little brighter. This dog didn’t have to wait for days or months in a shelter. While she likely spent much of her life on the streets, within 24 hours of meeting Kanakuri, she was on her way to her forever home.
What to Do If You Find a Stray Dog
Stray dogs often survive by staying in one familiar area. For this dog, what began as a quiet encounter on a morning run turned into a forever family.
While not everyone adopts a stray dog they meet, we can all do something to help. First, assess the dog’s behavior. Never approach a dog that is showing signs of fear or aggression, such as a tucked tail, bared teeth, or growling.
Stay at a distance and try to lure the dog with a soft voice or food. If the dog is friendly enough to approach, check for identification.
Next, contact local animal rescue groups or authorities, such as animal control or the police. They can check reports of lost pets in the area. At the very least, take a clear photo and post it on social media in local lost-and-found groups.
Related: Rescue Dog Who Lived Outside Has Heartbreaking Reaction to Her New Home
This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.