Rescue Dog’s Transformation Since Being Fostered and Learning To ‘Smile’

A rescue dog’s transformation after being taken in by a fosterer has delighted viewers online.

Celine, known online as @celinetails, had been documenting Sage the Doberman’s progress—from timid to relaxed—ever since she began fostering the pooch. She shared a video to TikTok on June 25 that chronicles her short time with the dog as she prepares to be visited by potential adopters. The clip has been viewed more than 227,000 times and has led to an outpouring of support for Celine’s efforts with Sage.

“Watch my foster Doberman’s transformation,” Celine, from Orange County, California, said.

Dobermans, known for their intelligence and loyalty, require a calm and loving environment to thrive. These highly energetic dogs benefit from consistent positive reinforcement and affection from their owners. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to prevent anxiety and stress, and shelter environments can be particularly difficult. A Doberman’s well-being is significantly enhanced by an owner’s patience and gentle demeanor.

Celine shared on her TikTok account that she is already a seasoned pet owner with dogs, reptiles and a cat to her name—making her the right person to look after Sage until she can move into a permanent home.

Viewers were able to see a sequence of clips that show Sage’s gradual progression, from shaking with nerves in a rescue shelter to playing in a relaxed and confident manner at Celine’s California home. In some of the later clips, Sage appears to be smiling.

The fosterer captioned the post: “A little compilation of Sage’s smiles. She met with some potential adopters this week! The future is so bright for this girl.”

TikTok users have picked up on the significant changes in the dog’s disposition, with 300-plus viewers voicing their thoughts in the comments section. A number of viewers have called on Celine to adopt the rescue animal, referencing her newly relaxed temperament as a reason to do so.

“She gets along with your other babies just keep her,” one user, @alexisrosejkiwish, said.

Another, @alburrrit0, added: “Her smile gets me every time.”

“You made such an impact on her life and changed it forever,” a third user, @hippo_kygo_jarvis, shared.

User @caragianetto added: “That clip of her in the shelter breaks my heart. Thank you for saving her!”

“Please keep her,” @loralie_tater said.

Newsweek reached out to @celinetails for more information via email. Celine, who has 2.7 million followers on TikTok, regularly shares insights into her life with her pets and foster animals.

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