Rescue Dog Too Scared to Even Wear a Harness Now Unrecognizable: 'So Proud'

A dog's transformation from being too scared to wear a harness to rocking costumes has melted viewers' hearts on social media.

When they go to their new homes, foster and adopted dogs often bring emotional and traumatic baggage stemming from distressing early years of life or shelter life. This usually means they need time to adjust to their new surroundings and trust humans again. That's how Snoop, a 5-year-old dog, felt after being brought to TikTok user Lauren Phillips' home in March.

Within a week of being rescued from the street, Snoop moved in with Phillips (@lomeetsworld). She and her family welcomed him with open arms. But their love was met with hesitation. Snoop, like many foster dogs, was scared and nervous.

In her November 1 TikTok video, Phillips explained how Snoop was "very cautious" toward people and "refused" to let them put anything over his head. He barked in opposition as she tried holding the harness near him. She wanted to put it on him to take him out for a walk, but he wouldn't go near it.

But now Snoop is unrecognizable. He learned through his foster family's patience to trust people. He has no problem with his family members coming close to him to put stuff around his neck.

The second part of the clip shows Snoop rocking a Halloween costume that wrapped around his head and down his chest. He had no issues. In fact, a smile formed on his face as he couldn't wait to show off his new look.

The caption reads: "So proud of him."

A TikTok video shows a foster dog barking at a woman trying to put on his harness. Now, he has no problem with his family members coming close to him to put stuff around his... @lomeetsworld/TikTok

Phillips explained in the comments section that the first part of the video was filmed in March, with the second part filmed about a month ago. Snoop started making progress within a few weeks.

"It takes patience and allowing them to open up on their terms," her comment reads.

While he's made great strides with his foster family, he'll feel fully complete once his forever family adopts him. Snoop is available for adoption through a foster-based animal rescue and organization, SOAR Rescue, in Nashville, Tennessee.

The TikTok video has amassed over 191,700 views, 37,500 likes and 510 comments as of Wednesday. Touched by his transformation, viewers applauded how far Snoop has come since he started his foster journey.

"Omg so proud of you buddy! You rocked that costume," said one TikTok user.

A second added: "He felt bad barking/snapping you can see in his expression."

Lauren agreed and said he only wanted to express his boundaries. He never wanted to hurt her.

Another pointed out: "Perfect proof of why we all need to give them time."

Newsweek reached out to @lomeetsworld via TikTok for additional comment.

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