'Gentle' Rescue Pit Bull Treating 1st Stuffed Animal Like Baby Melts Hearts

A rescue dog and her first-ever stuffed animal have TikTok users in tears.

Shared by user Jessica Sattelberger (@sattelberger) on September 13, the video shows rescue pit bull Myrtle realizing the plush dinosaur is for her, followed by several adorable clips of her carrying her new toy around.

Since being shared, the heartwarming footage has received over 121,000 likes and more than 700,000 views.

Why That Toy?

It's not unusual for our canine companions to have a favorite toy, but have you ever wondered why your dog prefers a particular toy over others?

Leigh Siegfried, CEO and founder of Philadelphia-based training school Opportunity Barks, told Newsweek it's down to personality and "biological fulfillment."

For dogs who enjoy "hunting," they'll likely favor items they can stalk, grab, shake or shred, while others might prefer "interactive" toys that can toss, pick up, move or roll around with.

Siegfried said a dog's breed and developmental stage can also influence their taste in toys. For example, field or hunting dogs, such as retrievers, love to carry toys around in their mouth as they were bred to fetch fowl for their owners.

"A dog whose teeth are coming in will have a greater need to chew and exercise the jaw," she said.

"If I have a dog that skews more towards a genetic history of being a stray or free-ranging dog, then they might have the instinct to store toys or chew items."

Ali Smith, CEO and founder of Rebarkable, said that it's not uncommon for female dogs to "baby" a toy, but it also could mean she is going through a phantom pregnancy.

"If she's showing the signs of caring for a litter, contact a vet," she said.

'So Gentle'

In the video, Jessica can be seen handing the stuffed dinosaur toy to Myrtle, who sniffs it inquisitively before patting it with her paw. She then picks it up in her mouth and begins carrying it around, to owner Jessica's surprise.

"Our rescue pit got her first plush toy," she explained in the video caption.

"She wasn't sure what to do with it, but carrying it everywhere seemed like a good idea.

"She was so gentle with it."

The rest of the video shows clips of Myrtle snuggling up to the stuffed animal in bed, as well as taking it on a car ride. Myrtle even gently placed the toy in her favorite spot, the rug in front of the living room window where they can laze in the sun.

In a post shared to Instagram on June 8, Jessica explained that Myrtle was rescued from a "cruelty/neglect case in Georgia." Emaciated and covered in scars, Myrtle has improved leaps and bounds since moving in with Jessica.

"Because of her extreme fear, she didn't show very well at the shelter and she was one of their longest residents," Jessica told Newsweek.

"My boyfriend, Adam, had seen her on Instagram in the spring of 2021 and wanted to meet her. We had just lost a dog recently so I wasn't sure it was the best decision but we decided to see her."

It took multiple visits for Myrtle to feel comfortable with Jessica and Adam, but after briefly fostering the Pitbull, they decided to adopt her.

"We still have some obstacles," Jessica said.

"She is very unsure of new people and does not like other dogs, which is understandable considering we think she came from a dog fighting ring.

"But we have been working with some positive reinforcement trainers who have helped build her confidence immensely."

TikTok users couldn't get enough of Myrtle and her new dinosaur BFF, with Jenn Cristina calling the clip "precious."

"So adorable," said Randy Lewis Hilgeman.

"Beautiful pooch," commented Ambassador Kodak and Mum. "Those scars though... they break my heart."

Many users were impressed by Myrtle's gentleness, with Cara writing: "It's still intact? I didn't know that was possible."

"I have NEVER seen a plushie survive a pitbull," said mistayyyy_b.

While Beck commented: "Bless you and that beautiful pup."

Update 11/16/22 03.39a.m. E.T.: This article was updated to include quotes from Jessica Sattelberger.