You know how some dogs wag their tails when they’re happy? Denali, on the other hand, seems to involve her entire body. Over on @nodramagoldensinco, the newest member of a family of rescue Golden Retrievers is having what can only be described as the best afternoon of freedom after spending years in a crate.
She spins, she bounces, and she shakes her entire body in joy. At one point, the dog looks so excited that her feet can barely keep up with the rest of her. And knowing where Denali started makes it even sweeter.
Rescue Golden Retrievers finally understand what life outside a crate feels like
This Instagram reel focuses on Denali out in the yard with her fellow rescue Goldens, Gus, Mia, Honey, and Woody. The on-screen text explains that she’s now five months removed from a life that looked very different. “5 months after living in a crate for 5 years.” That’s all the context needed before the dancing starts.
Denali was part of Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue and came from a puppy mill breeding situation. When she first arrived, everything was new. Her family has shared that she had never played with toys before. The pooch was unsure of her surroundings and leaned heavily on the couch for comfort while settling in.
These days, though, she’s clearly finding her footing. In the video, the Retriever launches into a series of joyful spins across the concrete patio. Her tail is working overtime. She bounces toward the other dogs as if inviting them to join in. When Mia comes running over, Denali somehow gets even more excited and starts twirling faster.
There’s no toy involved, there’s no treat either. Basically, nobody is asking her to do anything. But she does it all anyway, because she is just so elated. Viewers loved every second of it. One person wrote, “She looks so happy! I love seeing her play with her siblings!!” Another commented, “Just makes my heart so happy!!”
A few months ago, a yard full of space, friends, and freedom would have been impossible for Denali to imagine. Now she’s out there celebrating it like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
