In the dog world, some tolerate nose boops, and then there are ones who very clearly do not — and Cactus falls firmly into the second category. Michael Henry, the human behind the Instagram handle @cactustherescue, has been documenting life with his desert find, Cactus. And his latest video is a masterclass in psychological warfare. This rescue puppy is usually quick to catch on — except when forehead pets are involved. That’s where his defenses fall apart. That final look of shock and betrayal is exactly why everyone in the comments is siding with the pup.
Rescue puppy reacts to getting booped in adorable video
The video opens on a tight close-up of the rescue puppy, already wearing a look that says he’s not thrilled about what’s coming: a nose boop. Michael Henry whispers a challenge about giving him a boop, and Cactus immediately goes on the defensive. Every time a finger enters the frame, the pup turns his face away and crinkles his nose in total disapproval.
He even throws in a little sneeze, which seasoned dog owners know is just his way of saying, “I’m playing, but seriously, back off the snoot.” It’s a standoff that looks like it could go on all afternoon. However, after a few failed attempts, Henry does what any determined human would do — he gets sneaky.
He offers a peace treaty in the form of a gentle pet. Cactus, who “will always let his guard down for a pet,” instantly melts. His grumpy expression softens as he prepares for some soothing forehead scritches. But just as he’s basking in the affection, Michael sneaks in a lightning-fast nose tap and retreats with a cartoonish villain laugh.
The final look he gives says everything — shock, disbelief, and a very clear you didn’t have to do me like that. Over 55,400 people have liked the video of the rescue puppy’s nose getting booped. One commenter joked that Henry needs to start sleeping with one eye open because Cactus will get his revenge. Sure, his dad got the boop — but Cactus’s face suggests this story isn’t over.
