A heartwarming TikTok video from a New York woman has captured the attention of millions on social media. In the clip, 28-year-old Alexa Reidenauer shares how she discovered her foster dog Rebecca's newfound love for pizza. The video shows the moment when the typically unenthusiastic eater suddenly becomes interested in stealing a piece of pizza during a casual meal with friends. This unexpected revelation delighted viewers worldwide and sparked discussions about senior dogs' dietary preferences.
Rebecca, a 12-year-old malnourished rescue dog weighing only six pounds, had shown little interest in food prior to this discovery. According to Reidenauer, Rebecca was being fostered through Muddy Paws Rescue in New York City. Despite her poor health and severe tooth infections, Rebecca’s sudden excitement over pizza brought joy to both her foster family and countless online viewers.
In the video, as soon as pizza appeared on the table, Rebecca began barking—a behavior that surprised everyone present. Without hesitation, Reidenauer offered her a small piece, which Rebecca eagerly devoured. This marked a turning point for Rebecca, who had never demanded food before. The clip also features Reidenauer's own dog, Joni, patiently waiting her turn for some pizza too.
While many praised the heartwarming moment, veterinarian Dr. Nita Vasudevan from Embrace Pet Insurance reminded pet owners about the potential risks of feeding pizza to dogs. She explained that while an occasional plain crust might not harm them, regular consumption or exposure to toppings like garlic and onions could lead to digestive issues and long-term health problems. However, Reidenauer argued that senior dogs like Rebecca deserve indulgences after living such long lives.
The viral post resonated deeply with many users, especially those caring for older pets. One commenter noted that senior animals should enjoy whatever they desire, echoing sentiments expressed by others whose senior dogs prefer specific human foods like roasted chicken or beef. Screenshots from the video showcasing Rebecca sneaking a bite have further captivated audiences.
Rebecca is expected to become available for adoption soon through Muddy Paws Rescue. Meanwhile, her story continues to inspire and delight people across the globe, garnering over 1.5 million views and hundreds of thousands of likes on TikTok. For pet lovers eager to share their own cherished moments, opportunities exist to contribute stories to platforms like Newsweek’s Pet of the Week feature.