Tears as Rescue Dog Who's Terrified of Humans Discovers 'What Real Love Is'

A rescue dog who was left traumatized by his previous owner is gradually learning what it's like to be loved by a human companion.

According to a video posted to TikTok by sophiee.lorraine, Frank the 7-month-old dachshund was "scared of humans" when they first brought him home. But, as an onscreen caption promised, "Frank's story is just about to be changed."

Writing alongside the video, Frank's new human companion promised to show her new pup "what real love is."

It's remarkable to see the way a small bit of love and affection can change so much in a rescue dog. A 2018 study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science found that just 15 minutes of petting was enough to boost the mental well-being of a shelter dog.

If that's what 15 minutes can achieve, then the hope is that an extended stay in a safe, warm, affectionate home can affect the same change in Frank. But it's clear from the video that this tiny dachshund has been impacted by whatever he went through prior to being adopted.

As the video explains, for much of the journey back to his new home, Frank had the "saddest face." It's hardly a surprise. With little structure to his life up until this point, he must have been wondering—and perhaps even dreading—what was in store for him next.

But he need not have worried. What was waiting for him was cuddles, food, warmth, and his own comfy bed. Even better still, Frank was meeting a new friend—another dachshund living with his adoptive family.

Though Frank may have been harmed before, he still has so much of his life to live and time to repair with his human friend promising him a "lifetime of cuddles."

The good news is that he already seems to be on the road to doing that, with the clip showing the wiener dog enjoying a relaxing cuddle alongside his dachshund friend while his new owner gently strokes his head.

They aren't alone in expressing love and affection towards the young pup either.

On TikTok, hundreds of fellow dog lovers took to the clip's comments section to send well wishes to Frank and his new family. "Frank is such a handsome boi! Give him snuggles from me," one user wrote while another commented: "This has me in tears. So glad he is now getting the love he deserves."

"Thank you so much for rescuing Frank, he's adorable," a third said with a fourth adding: "What kind of person could ever hurt him? He's loved now."

There are plenty of examples of dogs like Frank overcoming these kinds of fears. A dog called Otto was filmed shaking as he prepared to head off with his new forever family but eventually overcame his nervousness. In another clip, a scared puppy attempted to fight against falling asleep in his new home but, once again, had nothing to fear.

Elsewhere, tears were shed when a rescue dog traumatized by a past experience, finally overcame his fear of water.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.