Making a difference is easier than we think, and it goes a long way. That is exactly the point of @katherineheppner’s sweet Instagram video, which shows Maggie, a shelter dog, reminding people just how much a few minutes of attention can change an animal’s whole day. The creator opens with a question many volunteers have asked themselves. She writes, “i’m just one person… can i really make a difference volunteering at the animal shelter?” and what follows is Maggie’s answer, narrated in a series of moments that go from heartbreaking to hopeful.
Video shows ‘shaking’ shelter dog becoming happier after tender loving care
The video shows the shelter dog in her kennel, visibly nervous. In the on-screen caption, the creator explains, “well…here’s Maggie when i first saw her this morning. she was shaking & her little face broke my heart.” But the tone changes almost immediately, as she mentions, “but this was her after 10 seconds with me…” while the video shows Maggie hopping on the volunteer for affection. After they head out, Maggie looks even more relaxed, as the caption notes, “& this was her after our walk.”
Then comes a win. Maggie finally eats the breakfast that she previously ignored. The caption spells it out with, “& this is her showing me her toy after she finally ate her breakfast that was still sitting in the bowl when i got here.”
This turnaround may feel like magic, but it is just a dog coming out of her shell when she sensed safety. New places can keep dogs stuck in a stress response — shaking, not eating, and staying on high alert, just like Maggie was before the video creator fraternized with her. But gentle touch and a calm voice can help them settle. Their brains thus get a chance to switch from feeling unsafe to feeling like they can breathe freely.
By the end, the creator doesn’t hedge, writing, “so yeah, i think i can say with absolute certainty you can make a difference for them.” In the post caption, she urges viewers, “if you’ve ever considered volunteering… do it. do it for them,” then adding that her time with the dogs at @chaanimalshelter is “the best part” of her week.
