A recently rescued dog has gone viral after her owner had to calm her down when a mop sent her into a panic.
Maddi Mincey, 29, (@maddlymaddi) shared the heartwarming footage of her husband, Johnnie Mincey, 32, comforting their 8-year-old rescue dog, Dove, in his lap. The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 244,000 likes and more than 1.7 million views on TikTok.
“Johnnie decided to Swiffer that day, and we didn’t know that it was going to trigger her like that. I have swept before with a broom, and she’s gotten fearful, but nothing like how she reacted when Johnnie had the Swiffer,” Maddi told Newsweek.
She continued: “We’ve seen her stiffen up like that a few times before, and Johnnie will go and pick her up and she will slowly start to relax, so I told him she was really scared when she was hiding behind her brother, who is our other dog, Teddy.
“He put up the Swiffer and got on the floor to comfort her, and I started videoing because it was a really sweet moment,” Maddi, a disabled veteran, from Southern California, said.
From left: The dad dog calms Dove. The U.S. Navy veteran helped calm his anxious pooch, whose whole body stiffened in fear.
@maddlymaddi/@maddlymaddi
The heartwarming footage shows Johnnie cradling Dove between his legs, gently stroking her stiff limbs as she slowly relaxes in the safety of his arms.
A Swiffer mop is a lightweight cleaning tool designed with disposable dry or wet cloths to easily pick up dust, dirt, and debris from hard surfaces like floors.
Maddi said that Dove is generally more fearful of men than women. When they first adopted her, “she kind of clung to me until she realized Johnnie was safe.” Even now, though still timid around him, Dove has formed a bond with Johnnie, following him around and even seeking his attention.
Dove’s brother, Teddy, is also a rescue. He’s a 6-year-old Labradoodle the couple have had for five years. Teddy suffers from an autoimmune condition called meningitis, which causes swelling in his brain and can lead to seizures. At one point, his condition nearly cost him his life.
Maddi and Johnnie adopted Dove from Wags and Walks, a rescue organization in Los Angeles. Dove had been found wandering the streets of South LA, and though the details of her past are unknown, it is clear she endured significant abuse and neglect. Despite her rough past, Maddi describes Dove as “super sweet but very, very timid.”
Maddi is working on setting up a nonprofit, to help bring veterans and animals together to heal and bond through trauma as she has.
Johnnie’s ability to calm and comfort Dove is something Maddi attributes to his experience as a veteran air traffic controller, a job that requires remaining calm in stressful situations. His soothing presence has proven invaluable to Dove, helping her feel safe and supported.
Tips for Calming Rescue Dogs
According to The Online Dog Trainer, there are several methods to help ease anxiety in rescue dogs. Some effective techniques include:
- Creating a safe space: Dogs need a secure place where they can retreat and feel protected.
- Using positive reinforcement: Rewarding calm behavior with treats or praise encourages confidence.
- Gradual exposure to triggers: Slowly introducing stressors like loud noises or unfamiliar objects can help desensitize anxious dogs.
- Consistent routine: Predictability can provide a sense of security for dogs with anxiety.
- Professional help: Sometimes, a professional trainer or behaviorist is necessary to guide owners in handling severe anxiety in their pets.
Maddi and Johnnie are doing their best to give Dove the comfort and care she deserves, with the hearts of viewers melting in the TikTok comments. Users shared their own experiences with rescue animals, highlighting the emotional journey that comes with adopting pets who have endured trauma.
“I’m so grateful for people like you and your partner. Thank you for saving this angel,” posted Erica.
“I had a senior rescue, and I once caught my mom soothing her after she’d bitten her, saying, ‘There’s nothing you’ll ever do that’ll make me throw you away.'”
Another user commented: “My sweet girl wouldn’t let my husband touch her for six weeks. She cowered in the corner at the sound of his voice. Near the end, her favorite place to sleep was his lap. You’re doing so great.”
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