Maria Avery, a South Florida resident who was out on a date with friends at the time, had a chance encounter that changed her life. Maria was prompted to act when she saw a person selling what appeared to be “Chihuahuas”. This led her to embark on a rescue operation that captured the attention of millions.
Maria shares her journey as a pet parent. (@mariaaveryThe video, which chronicles the story of Leo’s transformation into a furry companion named Leo, has been viewed over 2.9 millions times and liked by 269 800 people. The TikTok clip she made to chronicle the event was well received by viewers. It has garnered over 2.9 millions views and 269.800 likes.
On that fateful night, Maria noticed a man playing the violin – a familiar face she believed to be struggling with homelessness – accompanied by a scruffy, small dog. She wrote: “I bought a puppy from someone with a small dog downtown one night for $340 thinking it was cute and sweet.” This encapsulated the spontaneity.
Maria, a veteran animal rescuer who is also a mother herself, immediately realized that this tiny puppy was too young to have been separated from her. Motivated by her desire to create a safe environment, she began a negotiation with the man. Offering $340, after a heartfelt plea for $500, she offered to negotiate. Maria, after spending an hour bargaining with the man, knew that she could not leave him behind. Leo’s release was secured by an immediate money transfer.
Maria occasionally encounters the man since her rescue. The man always wants to know about Leo. “He looks at me with a crazy look in his eyes and says, ‘How’s the dog?’ I say, ‘He’s good, he’s happier than ever,'” Maria recounted, highlighting the poignant connection formed through this shared experience. Maria was only concerned about Leo, despite initial doubts regarding his breed. It’s unclear if Leo belongs to the pure-breed Chihuahua. Leo found comfort in the small basket near Maria’s bedroom after receiving a well-deserved bath and eating a hearty meal.
Leo became an instant part of Maria and her family the next day when he met Maria’s father and his long-haired Chihuahua Mila. Leo bonded particularly with Maria’s dad, who fell in love instantly with the pup, which provided comfort following the loss of the 18-year old dog.
TikTok has been a great platform for users to express their emotions. Leo’s look and circumstances have elicited diverse comments.
- Why am I crying over these remarks that he is a rat or ugly? He’s a little guy in need of a family and he looks incredibly handsome. Isabelle wrote, “Pls tell him that I told you so.” This is a great example of the empathy and support from viewers.
- Carli acknowledged the unique circumstances by saying, “I’m dead. No one would pay that much money to buy a puppy off the streets. He looks angry and adorable.”
- Maria’s actions were lauded by many, including the comment “You likely saved his son’s life.”
Maria’s generous act was greeted with admiration, even though some viewers made playful jokes (“That isn’t a dog,” said one). Sophia summarized this story well, saying, “Those that called him ugly, and told to find a different pet, aren’t empaths and it shows.” Clearly she still helped the dog get off the street—he looked so scared and sad, and now he’s a happy doggy.” Leo’s transformation from “ratty” dog on the street to beloved companion is testament to the joys and unexpected benefits of adopting pets, especially dogs with mixed or uncertain breeds.