The adoption process typically begins with the prospective owner choosing the dog they like. However, at the event shown in the video, the dogs were given the right to make the first choice.

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Recently, countless AI videos have been circulating on the internet – not long ago we even wrote an article about this on our hungarian site, in which, among other things, we also discuss how to recognise content that is not real. Unfortunately, since the latest developments, this has become an increasingly difficult task, and it takes a very sharp eye to filter out scenes created with artificial intelligence in one hundred percent of cases. In such videos (in ever-improving quality), a recurring theme is that a dog chooses their owner from a crowd – this inspired the Animal Protectors shelter to create their own version following the theme:

Among the comments under the video, one can see humorous remarks such as “this would be the fastest way to hurt my feelings”, “Love is blind: dog edition”, or my personal favourite, “I’m 100% rubbing bacon on my neck before I show up”, and various versions of this. Indeed, a dog’s attention is of priceless value – even if it is not our own pet. Undoubtedly, there is something truly uplifting about when a dog chooses us.

The adoption day where the dog chooses

If we go to a shelter, it is typical that several dogs compete for our attention at once, so unfortunately it is also common that quieter, more withdrawn or even timid dogs fall out of people’s field of vision. However, at the adoption day shown in the video, there is not even a chance for this, as the dogs are led one by one among the interested people – thus the dog themselves chooses the person they find sympathetic.

During the event, many families interacted with the dogs, learning about their personalities and needs. Each dog was given the spotlight, allowing potential adopters to understand the unique qualities that make them great companions.

– they explain in the description of the post.

Of course, this is only a first impression on both the dog’s and the potential owner’s side – and mutual sympathy alone is usually not enough for a dog–owner pairing to prove truly successful in the long term. After the event shown in the video, four dogs were applied for, and it is possible that these dogs will soon find a home.

A fortunate meeting can provide a lifetime of joy / Image: welovedogz.hu

Let us admit, as animal lovers it is not difficult to love a dog, but caring for them according to their needs and, if necessary, making the required changes… that may already require more serious logistics, which not every prospective owner can manage. Therefore, it is especially important, on the one hand, to receive proper information from shelter workers, and on the other hand, for the prospective owner to be honest, primarily with themselves. What is it that they can truly undertake?

If someone is ready to adopt a dog, it is almost certain that they will find one that suits them – however, it may not be the first cheerfully approaching four-legged individual.

How does a dog choose a human for themselves?

We have already talked a lot about the signs by which we can tell that our pet loves us – but what about the first meeting? When there is no shared past yet, no relationship, and we cannot really speak of trust either. How does a dog decide whether someone is sympathetic to them or not?

A dog’s sympathy is generally a function of three factors – smells, body language, and previous experiences.

Unfamiliar and unpleasant scents can also be off-putting to a dog, and may lead to avoidance.

– as mentioned in the article by VCA Hospitals.

On the same basis, however, smells that are familiar or pleasant to the dog may arouse their interest and encourage them to approach.

Previous experiences can also significantly influence whom the dog considers sympathetic – men or women, younger or older people – as well as how trusting they are towards humans. In addition, human body language also matters. Dogs generally find calm people more sympathetic and avoid those whose body language radiates tension.

Adoption is a process

It is important to emphasise that no matter how heartwarming it is when a dog chooses a person for themselves, it may be that the person’s circumstances are not compatible with the needs of the given dog, or even with the expectations of dog ownership. It is better if this comes to light before adoption rather than afterwards, as it is often the case that, as a result of a sudden or poorly made decision, the dog ends up back at the shelter.

Adoption therefore does not begin at the shelter, nor does it end with finding a sympathetic dog – it is the result of a process in which, among other things, we gather information about ourselves and about the candidate dogs, and then honestly weigh these before making a decision.

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