Stray Dog Takes Refuge on Store Bed, Worker’s Reaction Melts Hearts

A stray dog who took the opportunity to nap in a comfortable spot has captured hearts across the internet.

Giselle, who lives in Argentina, was working in a homeware store in the city of Neuquén when she came across the large dog relaxing on a show bed, curled up on warm blankets. And, rather than chasing him out, she gently placed a blanket over him for extra warmth.

Speaking to Newsweek in an interview translated from Spanish, she explained the “street dog,” who she had never seen before, showed up at the mall out of nowhere.

After making the video, the store worker had to remove the pup from the bed, but took him to the back of the mall “where there is a roof and warm atmosphere,” to keep him safe.

But, she said, “he didn’t want to get out of bed.”

Giselle said that she went to check on him the next morning, and found him sleeping on “padding” she had left out for him.

She also shared a further video update showing the stray dog happily lapping up food and water they had left for him, and added in a comment that other workers had also brought items to help care for the stray.

Latin America has huge numbers of stray or “free-roaming” dogs; however, a 2023 study by the Humane Society International (HSI) in areas across Costa Rica determined that the numbers are beginning to decline thanks to spay and neuter programs.

Andrea Borel, executive director of HSI Latin America, said they had found a notable decrease in areas where sterilization of dogs is most common.

She said the data would help achieve sustainable change, by using humane dog and cat population management, accessible and affordable spay and neutering programs, and education.

Giselle uploaded her video to her TikTok account @gigimorales on June 21, where it has racked up 14 million views and over 2 million likes so far. Close to 20,000 people commented on the clip, including one who joked it was the “best marketing” for the store.

In another comment, translated from Spanish, a TikTok user called the store “pet friendly,” and another joked: “Even puppies can’t resist sleeping on our quilts!”

“If I see a dog sleeping in a store, I go in to buy something even if I don’t need anything,” another commenter said.

Giselle shared that, while they waited for the dog to be adopted, she had named him Bruno. She was seen taking him for walks outside, on a collar and leash, and even wearing a warm jacket.

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