When it comes to excited dogs, anything and everything can be a potential danger. There’s nothing quite as frightening as watching a very happy dog barrel towards you at full speed. Typically, dogs have no concept of boundaries or their own weight, which means they can often turn into a turbocharged tornado heading your way. This isn’t even to add the ability they have to leap all the way up toward your face with zero caution, which usually leads to a gnarly headbutt.
Well, the same concept applies to shelter dogs, who aren’t exempt from getting excited from time to time, even if it comes at your peril. At least that’s what one shelter guest experienced with one overly happy doggy who couldn’t help but get excited, and let’s just say she should wear a helmet next time.
🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾
Cupcake’s Excited Wiggles Deserve a Warning Label
While on a mission to record a cute video for shelter dog Cupcake, animal shelter volunteer Julie Saraceno got a little bit more than she bargained for when Cupcake just couldn’t hold in her excitement any longer. Sitting on the floor of Cupcake’s kennel, Julie was recording clips of the adorable puppy, hoping they would help her get adopted a little more quickly.
Related: Watch This Senior Shelter Dog Go From Terrified to Happy With One Field Trip
Although she had good intentions, Julie joked that it was at that moment that Cupcake decided “it was her time.” This is because Cupcake couldn’t help but feel joy at seeing her friend and decided to climb onto her face and give her a few “pets” of her own. While it was all in good fun, and it was clear that Cupcake is a sweetheart who wasn’t intentionally hurting her, nothing gets you quite like a few nails to the face.
Julie admits she still loves Cupcake, but we can’t help but think it probably left a mark or two. In the comments, some defended Cupcake’s excited little jumps, while others hoped she would get adopted soon. One potential adopter even commented their intention to give Cupcake a proper home with “Thank you for sharing my hubby and I looking at adopting her. We are in Washington as well.” Another commenter added, “My dog this to me all the time! With paws fresh with dirt and morning dew!!”
Here’s hoping Cupcake finds her future home soon, and that her new family knows a good groomer for those nails.
Related: This Foster Dog Wants Nothing to Do With Men—Unless the Man Has Cheese
This story was originally published by PawNation on Apr 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add PawNation as a Preferred Source by clicking here.