An adorable Instagram video from @cleotheshelterpitty shows a shelter rescue dog named Cleo thanking her dad with kisses for giving her a new life. In the video, the Pit Bull sprawls across the couch, as if she has always belonged there. Her dad sits close to her, planting gentle kisses on her face while also giving her gentle belly rubs as Cleo relaxes on the couch. The dog’s eyes go soft, and she gives the love right back.
Video shows rescue dog thanking dad with kisses for changing her life
The video melts hearts as the dad showers the rescue dog with kisses. He is gentle with her while also giving her a playful face bite, a sign of cuteness or aggression, but without actually being aggressive. Meanwhile, the on-screen caption says, “We saved her from a high kill shelter… and this is how she says thank you.”
As the affection continues, Cleo starts returning it in the most adorable way possible licks to her dad’s face, which is only followed by even more kisses from him. It turns into a back-and-forth routine that feels like their own love language, wherein he gives affection, and she gives it right back, a common exchange once a dog feels safe and comfortable with their person.
Licking can be a social bonding behavior that reflects affection and comfort. For many dogs, it is also a learned way to keep good things coming, because kisses and attention tend to lead to more kisses and attention.
Viewers could not get enough of it. Several people called Cleo an “angel” and a “sweet baby,” and more than a few sounded genuinely moved that she is now living a soft and safe life.
The video is proof that a rescue dog’s glow-up is not always about glow; it is sometimes about an affectionate Pit Bull on a couch, soaking up kisses from her dad and giving some right back, a scene that feels like she is finally home.
