A social-media video showing a rescue dog peacefully sleeping in bed while having his head gently stroked has melted hearts online, with viewers struck by how far he has come.
The TikTok clip, shared by 22‑year‑old Vicky on her account @indieandvicky, shows her pup Indie lying contentedly under the covers as she pets him. Text layered over the footage reads: “and to think this is the same dog that used to have to sleep in the street.”
The caption adds: “my sweet boy will never have to worry about that again,” and has earned over 27.500 views.
In the comments, Vicky said that Indie was in “rough shape” when he was found. In another video shared on the account, Indie is shown as a puppy, visibly thin and malnourished.
Recent posts, however, show him thriving in his new home, often described by Vicky as a “Velcro dog” because of how closely he sticks to her.
Viewers were quick to respond emotionally to the transformation.
“From cold streets to warm sheets. Thank you for giving this sweet soul the love, warmth, and care he’s always deserved!” wrote the official PETA account.
Vicky replied: “Best decision I’ve [ever] made!”
Another user commented: “He looks so content. Thank you for your compassion.”
Someone else shared a photo of her rescue dogs, commenting: “They are safe now.”
Shelter Adoptions Remain Under Pressure
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says around 2 million dogs were adopted from shelters in 2024. However, intake levels remain high, with canines making up roughly half of the 5.8 million animals entering shelters nationwide.
Although animals enter shelters for many reasons, the ASPCA says most dogs arrive as strays, accounting for about 60 percent of intakes in 2024. Another 29 percent are surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them due to unforeseen barriers.
Dogs—particularly larger breeds—are also staying in shelters longer than they did five years ago, placing added strain on already-overburdened systems. While more than 500,000 dogs were reunited with their owners last year, about 334,000 were euthanized, though that figure represents a continued decline over time.
What Is the 3‑3‑3 Rule?
While it is unclear exactly when Indie was adopted, his social media account was created in May 2025, and recent videos suggest he has since settled comfortably into home life. Bonds like Indie and Vicky’s do not form overnight, with many rescue dogs adjusting gradually over time under what is often known as the 3-3-3 rule.
In the first three days, pups may feel overwhelmed and stressed, showing behaviors such as hiding, sleeping more than usual, refusing food, or testing boundaries. By around three weeks, many dogs begin to settle into a routine and show their true personality, though behavioral issues may emerge. After roughly three months, canines generally feel fully at home, having built trust with their owners and a sense of security in their new surroundings.
For Indie, that adjustment period appears to have paid off—his quiet moments of comfort now a far cry from the life he once knew.
Newsweek reached out to @indieandvicky for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.