Rivington, a six-year-old rescue dog who was abandoned by his previous owner and once faced euthanasia, has touched hearts worldwide after his foster mother captured his emotional reaction upon waking from emergency dental surgery. The dog, also known as Rivi, dragged himself across the floor to reach Clare, his foster carer, seemingly seeking reassurance that she had not left him like his previous owner did.
Emergency dental surgery and a heartwarming response
Rivington required urgent dental surgery after fracturing one of his front teeth, leaving the root exposed and causing significant pain. When he woke from anaesthesia, his foster mother Clare filmed him crawling towards her. In a TikTok video posted to the account @beansfosterbuddies, text overlay reads: “A drag path but it’s my foster dog who was abandoned at the shelter by his previous owner waking up from anaesthesia and using all the strength he had to crawl towards me just to make sure I didn’t leave him too.”
In the caption, Clare wrote: “Rivington is the most loyal dog I’ve ever met. If he loves you, he truly loves you with his whole heart and will do anything for you. After being dropped at the shelter by his previous owner, Rivi has been waiting since 2021 to be chosen. Please share so we can find Rivi’s person.”
Reaction on social media
The video drew an outpouring of sympathy and support. One TikTok user joked: “Sorry can’t see the video, it’s too blurry,” alluding to tears. Another said: “I think it might be my fault for watching at such inopportune times. Looks like I’m going into another meeting crying y’all.” A third commented: “If I ever get my hands on BIG money, I’m buying land. treats toys food and beds for all the animals I can.” Someone else simply said: “He deserves the world.”
Foster mother’s perspective
Speaking to Newsweek, Clare reflected on Rivington’s reaction: “Seeing him panic like that broke my heart. Despite everything he’d been through that day, his biggest concern was making sure I wasn’t going to leave him behind.” She explained that when she first began fostering him, Rivington was deeply distrustful: “At first, he wanted absolutely nothing to do with me. He was terrified of new people and carried the weight of years of uncertainty on his shoulders. It was clear that trusting humans didn't come easily for him.”
Clare added: “Watching Rivington learn to trust again has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Although progress has felt slow at times, I am hopeful that I’ve set him up with enough of a foundation to transition to his forever home.”
Recovery and adoption prospects
Rivington has since recovered from the dental procedure and is back to playing with toys and being affectionate. He is currently being fostered in the New York City area and can be adopted through Waldo’s Rescue Plan. Clare noted that Rivington would thrive in a calm, adult-only home with patient adopters who allow him to gain confidence over time. “If someone is willing to be patient, Rivington is incredibly special,” she said. “Once he lets his guard down, he is affectionate and loving. He cuddles in bed with me, he loves head scratches and will do anything for his person.”
