Watch Senior Rescue Dog Slowly Learn 'Trust and Confidence' With New Family

Footage of how a rescue greyhound's confidence grew after being adopted has delighted viewers on social media.

Tia, 12, started out as a foster dog for owners Georgia and Billy from Sydney, Australia, in December 2020. The couple also adopted Luna, an 8-year-old female greyhound, in 2019.

In the racing industry for nine years—six years of racing and three spent breeding—Tia needed plenty of care and time to settle into a new home. "We adopted greyhounds because at the time we lived in an apartment, and they make excellent apartment dogs as they rarely bark and love to snooze the day away," Georgia told Newsweek.

"They have such gentle, loving personalities and, in Australia, we have a huge over-breeding problem with greyhounds because, sadly, our greyhound racing industry continues to grow," Georgia added. "We could never consider buying a puppy with this many dogs needing a home."

Australia is one of several countries that still have a greyhound racing industry. There are 58 active race tracks in Australia, while by comparison there are just two in the U.S. The Humane Society of the United States reports that the sport has lost popularity in the country, and is now illegal in more than 42 states.

With greyhounds often bred purely for racing, cruel methods are used to dispose of unwanted dogs. Those who survive in the industry are forced to live in alone in cramped conditions and small enclosures. The Humane Society of the United States reports that a racing greyhound dies every three days on a Florida track.

Tia had spent her years in the racing industry alone, with her trainer as her only companion. The greyhound struggled with people and social situations when she was first fostered by the couple.

It wasn't long until Tia became a "foster fail" and Georgia and Billy decided she would live with them forever—but it took a little longer for her to feel safe at last.

Thanks to the love and support of her new owners, Tia has made an extraordinary transformation, finally settling into her new home. "We could tell immediately that she knew she was safe with us, but she had barriers up when it came to us being too close," Georgia said. "We have almost had her for three years, and she has consistently been gaining confidence more and more."

Month by month, Tia inched closer to her humans, gradually letting down the barriers she had built around her heart. A few months in, her puppy-like personality began to emerge.

"She eventually became more comfortable sitting closer to us each month, but it's only been in the last couple of months that we have been able to have proper cuddles with her," said Georgia.

In a video shared on TikTok under the handle @ladyluna_and_princesstia a week ago, Tia's owners showed her transformation from nervous pup to cuddly pet. The text overlay reads: "Watch our senior rescued greyhound learn trust and confidence."

Viewers loved seeing Tia's amazing transformation into loving family pet, and shared their reactions in the comments.

"Your noodlehorses are beautiful. so happy to see them living the lives they deserve," wrote Jennifer Gregory.

Anna-Marie Sevcikova posted: "I am actually crying. Greyhounds are so pure. They deserve so much love."

"We hope our content shows people what greyhounds are actually like. Most people only see them racing and aren't aware that they make the most beautiful addition to a family," Georgia said.

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.