A tiny toy poodle’s spirited protest over a lost boot has delighted millions of viewers online, after a viral video showed the dog dramatically halting mid-walk and refusing to move another inch.
The moment, captured and shared to TikTok by the dog’s owner (@urbanmomlyfe) on December 28, has been watched more than 1.6 million times and liked by over 188,000 users. In the short clip, the small female canine, outfitted in a navy raincoat and adorable pink boots, is seen stopping abruptly in the middle of a walk on wet and icy ground.
One of her front paws is lifted stiffly in the air—her boot having slipped off—and she remains frozen in place as if declaring the walk officially over.
The post was captioned: “Cute Puppy Moments: This toy poodle doesn’t like the cold snow, just like her mama (don’t worry, I carried her the rest of the way),” with overlaid text adding more context: “Her shoe came off, and she refused to walk.”
The dog’s exaggerated pause and singular focus on her missing footwear instantly resonated with viewers on the platform. Several poked fun at the pup’s way of lifting her leg up in protest, while others empathized with her hatred of the wintery conditions.
“Her balance is crazy,” one viewer said.
“Pick the baby up let’s go,” another added.
“She put her kickstand out,” a third viewer shared.
“She won the mannequin challenge,” one commenter said.
“That’s a high maintenance girly,” another said.
A few viewers shared that the dog may have been refusing to walk due to what looked like de-icing grit salt on the ground beneath.
“The salt thrown burns their feet,” one viewer commented, while another added: “It may be the salt. A surprising amount of places don’t use pet safe salt which can result in burns on dog pads no different than the dry ice kind of burns you can get with the same mixture.”
Toy poodles are the smallest variety of the poodle breed, typically weighing between 4 and 6 pounds and standing under 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
Known for their intelligence and playful temperament, they are often quick learners and eager to please, making them popular among city dwellers and families alike. Despite their dainty appearance, toy poodles are active, alert dogs who enjoy regular play and mental stimulation. Their hypoallergenic coats also make them a favored choice for people with allergies.
Newsweek reached out to @urbanmomlyfe for more information via email.
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