If you’ve been scrolling TikTok over the past month or so, you might have come across this dog, who has become a national sensation, practically overnight. But if you need an introduction, here is Tiki. A dog whose whole story is unknown to the public has shown his bravery one step at a time.
Tiki became an online sensation after Isabel, his foster parent, began documenting his journey online, where millions have watched his every move for the past month.
Online users couldn’t wait to get their daily Tiki update after Isabel mentioned he was her most difficult foster dog to date.
However, fostering dogs is not new to Isabel, so what makes Tiki’s story different? BuzzFeed sat down with Isabel, where we explained more below.
Isabel, based in Brooklyn, started fostering at 25 and took a break upon adopting Simon, one of the dogs she initially fostered.
Isabel decided to put a pause to focus on her dog, Simon, and his health issues. But started fostering again in 2023.
When chatting with Isabel, I asked her what prompted her to choose Tiki, from Muddy Paws Rescue, a rescue she regularly works with, where they had been caring for him. She said the shelter noted that “Tiki was the most shut down.”
Isabel was told he never left the bed, and feared he might have been “too broken”. A challenge she was up for taking, as she strives to work with dogs who require a bit more patience.
During Tiki’s first day, we witnessed via TikTok what it was like with him not wanting to leave his crate or be touched, but willing to accept cheese. A first of many future breakthroughs.
But on May 9, 2025, everything changed when Tiki approached Isabel while she was sitting on the couch and let her pet him. A TikTok that went mega viral, with over 10 million views.
Users left comments on just how emotional it was to watch Tiki make such a brave step, in introducing humans to his life again.
A trust testament as to what time and patience can do.
And in following TikTok, Isabel uploaded on May 17, Tiki hopped onto Isabel’s lap, for the first time, and was even able to sneak a kiss. This video garnered well over 10 million views, too.
Some users commented on how relieved Tiki became, and the undoing of many years of trauma he may have faced.
On day 22, in another video uploading to TikTok, Tiki stepped outside on their backyard for the very first time.
As the days went on, Tiki continued to make strides by eventually jumping onto the couch alone, eating more cheese, and opening up a little more.
Tiki has made an even bigger accomplishment in bringing awareness to the importance of fostering, and how most dogs can be given second chances, with just a little more time and love. According to the ASPCA, approximately 5.8 million dogs and cats are estimated to have entered shelters in 2024.
And when chatting with Muddy Paws Rescues marketing director, Mallory Kerley, she said “The effect that Isabel and Tiki have had on bringing attention to the cause of rescue and fostering is immeasurable.”
When I asked Mallory if they’ve seen a spike in people looking to foster, she said the following: “We’ve seen a slight uptick in foster registration and adoption registrations in our system, but we believe that the impact of Tiki reaches far beyond just Muddy Paws.”
She concluded in saying “Really what we want people to know, is that Tiki’s story is not unique. There are tens of thousands of Tikis, waiting in shelters across the country, who just need the opportunity to become their best selves.
“Isabel is an incredible story teller, and is able to shine a much-deserved spotlight on the importance of fostering, patience, and kindness. Anyone can help a dog like Tiki by fostering, just like Isabel does time and time again.”
And Mallory is right. Isabel mentioned that some of the coolest messages and tags she received online were from people saying Tiki’s story inspired them to foster dogs as well.
Aside from the importance of fostering, we spoke about how Tiki’s story has much more to do with a dog becoming brave, but more to do with how patience and time, healing can take place—even for humans.
What makes Tiki’s story so relatable, and has driven everyone from celebrities to everyday people watching his every move, is how he teaches us that it’s the little things we do on a day-to-day basis that can help us grow, and overcome— even if they seem “basic”.
Isabel mentioned that things such as socializing, being gentle with ourselves, or doing things that might scare us are what Tiki has shown us are essential.
Regarding what Tiki has taught Isabel, she said, “being taught patience, and letting him call the shots.” She added that she is learning to speak his language and letting him lead.
As for Tiki’s future parents, Isabel mentioned he might do well in a quieter setting, perhaps outside the city. But one thing’s for sure, we will be rooting for him.
