A recently adopted rescue dog had a heartwarming moment when she realized she was finally home for good—an emotional milestone captured in a viral TikTok video shared by her new owner.
Adopting a rescue dog often requires patience and understanding as these pets adjust to new surroundings. The “3-3-3 rule” is commonly recommended for helping new dogs settle in: three days to decompress, three weeks to feel at home, and three months to begin adjusting to routines and training. While every dog’s experience is different, the process can vary from smooth transitions to more gradual adjustments.
For Anna, from Florida, it seemed her new dog Bella was adapting quickly. Anna, who chose not to disclose her last name, adopted Bella from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay after visiting with the intention of adopting another dog. When she saw Bella, a sweet dog with a sad story, Anna felt compelled to bring her home.
“I was actually there to look at a different dog, but when I saw Bella and learned about her past, I knew she had to come home with us,” Anna shared. Bella had been found with a fresh C-section wound and had clearly been used as a breeder, making her adoption even more meaningful.
At first, Bella was understandably hesitant about her new home, especially when it came to jumping onto furniture. “She was very unsure about getting on the sofa, so I used treats to help her feel more comfortable,” Anna explained. Initially, Bella only dared to sit on the couch when no one was around, acting guilty when caught. But with time, and lots of encouragement, Bella gained confidence, eventually claiming the sofa as her own.
The breakthrough moment came when Anna captured Bella lounging contentedly on the couch, looking both relaxed and a little guilty. The video, shared on TikTok, captured the poignant moment that Anna believed marked a milestone in Bella’s journey toward feeling truly at home.
“I hope she’s starting to realize she’s home for good,” Anna wrote alongside the video, showing Bella sprawled out comfortably. Despite her progress, Bella is still too nervous to sleep on Anna’s bed, but the pair continue to bond through activities like fetch, car rides, and shopping trips to Petco.
Anna also shared that Bella, a bulldog with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (a condition affecting her breathing), is still learning to adjust to her new life. While the condition may eventually require surgery, Anna is committed to ensuring Bella’s comfort and happiness.
From her reserved beginnings to her newfound confidence, it’s clear that Bella has found a place she can finally call home, and she’s not shy about letting Anna know how grateful she is.
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