While out with her American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a woman from North Carolina has found that her foster dog has started mimicking everything she does.
Raleigh-based foster carer Emily Dunn, who works with Hope Animal Rescue, posted on TikTok to demonstrate how her most recent foster, Lilo, has developed feelings for her dog, Wallace, also known as Wally.
Dunn demonstrates in a video uploaded under the account wally_the_pit how Lilo has begun copying practically everything her “big brother” does, including his steady pace while pounding the sidewalk and his particular interest in the area flora. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery Wallace,” as the caption for the video states.
Foster caregivers can be quite helpful in preparing a dog for adoption who might have otherwise suffered in the daunting chaos of the traditional shelter system.
A foster stay gives dogs the opportunity to relax in a calm, home-based setting where they get a degree of care and attention that the shelter system is ill-equipped to provide.
Research has indicated that a shelter dog might benefit greatly from a little TLC.
According to a 2018 study that was published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, a shelter dog’s wellbeing may be quantified by receiving just 15 minutes of one-on-one stroking.
She’s eager to give Wally credit for helping these pups adjust and giving themselves the best chance of being adopted, even while Dunn surely has an influence on each foster dog that enters her care.
“My dog Wally is such a good helper for all of my fosters,” Dunn stated. “He helps them build confidence and shows them the ropes of learning to be a dog again. He’s the best!”
Dunn is not alone in praising Wally’s efforts, as fans show their support for the American Staffordshire Terrier by swarming to the video of him and his new charge, Lilo, going on a stroll together.
“I can’t get enough of her!!” according to one viewer. “Good job, big foster brother!!” Another said: “Wally is the absolute best foster brother and he obviously knows it!”
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“Aww, they just wanna be like their big Brothers and Sisters!” said a third commenter. with a fourth addition: “Learning on the job. Perfect!”
One user commented, “This is so sweet,” while another praised Wally and Dunn for their efforts in assisting Lilo in making the required changes before she leaves for her joyful new life in another place.
They had written: “Teaching your fosters how to be a doggie one step at a time.”
