It’s always moving to see someone face a fear, take small steps forward, and eventually conquer it. That kind of growth feels even more powerful when it involves a dog who once carried her own anxieties. Helen, a sweet rescue Pit Bull, has been on one such journey with her mom, and the latest video on @helenpls captures the transformation beautifully.
The clip is a look back at months of training and encouragement that helped Helen go from a nervous beginner to a confident paddleboarding pro. As the caption puts it, “tears were shed… you’re out there with us on every paddle” — a perfect nod to the supportive community that cheered them on.
Owner shares journey of ‘anxious rescue dog’ learning to paddleboard in video
The absolutely inspiring video is a huge hit, gathering over 15,200 likes. Things begin slowly, with Helen first learning on dry land that the board equals treats, comfort, and calm. We watch as she sniffs, sits, and eventually climbs aboard with a little more ease each time. Her mom then adds the sup paddle to the mix, introducing its movement long before they ever hit the water.
Then comes the water test. Helen’s dad gently lifts her onto the anchored board, where her mom is waiting. They take it day by day, making sure that the board remains a safe place. One day, she jumps on by herself and slips and is lifted calmly by her lifejacket handle.
She slips, splashes, and tumbles more than once, each time being lifted back with patience and reassurance. Her humans never rush, reminding us that setbacks are just part of real training. And then comes the payoff: Helen perched steadily on the board as her mom paddles under a bridge, looking every bit the seasoned pro.
When the video closes, Helen is out on the river, steady on the board and looking far more at home than when she first began. Viewers flooded the comments with love — pit bull parents cheering her on, and even people who’d never met Helen saying how much her story moved them.
