Hearts Melt as Woman Realizes Foster Pup Is ‘Copying’ Her Dog’s Every Move – ryan

A North Carolina woman has discovered her foster dog has taken to copying everything her American Staffordshire Bull Terrier does when they are out together.

Emily Dunn, a foster carer with Hope Animal Rescue who lives in Raleigh, took to TikTok to show how her latest foster, Lilo, has taken a shine to her pet pooch Wallace, or Wally for short.

In a video posted under the handle wally_the_pit, Dunn shows how Lilo has started aping almost everything her “big brother” does, whether it be his steady pace while pounding the sidewalk or the way he takes a special interest in the local plant life. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery Wallace,” a caption accompanying the clip reads.

Foster carers can play a crucial role in helping get a dog who might have otherwise struggled in the intimidating hustle and bustle of the standard shelter system prepared for adoption.

A foster stay offers a chance to rest in a peaceful, home-based environment where dogs benefit from a level of care and attention that the shelter system is not equipped to offer.

Studies have shown how a little TLC can go a long way with a shelter dog. In 2018, a study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science concluded that just 15 minutes of one-on-one petting was enough to provide a measurable boost to the well-being of a shelter dog.

While Dunn undoubtedly has an impact on each of the foster dogs that come into her care, she’s keen to credit the efforts of Wally in helping these pups to adjust and give themselves the best chance possible of being adopted.

“My dog Wally is such a good helper for all of my fosters,” Dunn told Newsweek. “He helps them build confidence and shows them the ropes of learning to be a dog again. He’s the best!”

Dunn is not alone in her praise of Wally’s efforts either, with viewers flocking to the clip of the American Staffordshire Terrier and his new charge, Lilo, enjoying a walk out together, to give the thumbs up.

“I can’t get enough of her!!” one viewer wrote. “Good job, big foster brother!!” Another said: “Wally is the absolute best foster brother and he obviously knows it!”

A third commented: “Aww, they just wanna be like their big Brothers and Sisters!” with a fourth adding: “Learning on the job. Perfect!”

Elsewhere, one viewer said, “This is so sweet,” while another applauded both Dunn and Wally for their efforts in helping Lilo make the necessary adjustments before she heads off to her happy new life elsewhere. They wrote: “Teaching your fosters how to be a doggie one step at a time.”