Senior Rescue Dog in ‘Worst Condition’ Melts Hearts as He Enjoys New Life

A TikTok video featuring a rescue dog enjoying his first-ever pup cup, a whipped cream treat served in a coffee cup, has gone viral.

The video, posted by @lottosworld, has garnered 2.4 million views since it was shared on April 6. The footage was filmed in Los Angeles, as indicated by the location shared in the post.

A message overlaid on the clip reads: “First stop after busting out of the shelter.” The video shows a dog sitting in the front seat of a car, happily licking away at a pup cup offered to him by a hand.

The caption accompanying the post reads: “Let the spoiling begin! Welcome to your new life Lotto.”

In a previous video shared on April 5, it was revealed that 10-year-old Lotto was abandoned at the South LA shelter in a terrible condition by his previous owners.

Despite being “missing half his fur,” with infected eyes and overgrown nails, Lotto is now getting the care he deserves, as mentioned in the caption.

Commenting on the latest video, the poster revealed that Lotto had been living outside for 10 years, neglected and infested with fleas. Enjoying a treat is a small comfort for him after his harsh past.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters annually, with around 920,000 animals being euthanized each year. Shelters are working to reduce euthanasia rates through adoption initiatives and other programs.

Veterinarians Krista Williams and Robin Downing highlighted that dog owners in the U.S. spend over $2 billion on dog treats annually. While treats are a nice indulgence for pets, overfeeding can lead to nutritional imbalances and picky eating habits.

Williams and Downing advised that treats should not exceed 10 percent of a dog’s daily caloric intake, with five percent being even better. They warned against treats labeled as “light” or “lower calorie,” as they may still contribute excess calories to a dog’s diet.

Excessive treats can contribute to weight gain and obesity in pets, which are becoming increasingly common issues, according to the veterinarians.

‘Sweet Beginnings’

Users on TikTok adored the video of the rescue dog enjoying his first pup cup.

Comments like “Aww New sweet beginnings” and “What a perfect first stop!” flooded the post, showing support and love for Lotto’s newfound happiness.

Newsweek has reached out to the original poster for comment on this heartwarming video. Please note that the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.

If you have heartwarming videos or photos of your pets that you’d like to share, send them to life@newsweek.com along with some details about your furry friend. Your pet could be featured in our Pet of the Week lineup.