A train ride turned unexpectedly emotional for one dog owner after a stranger’s remark about her pet went viral on TikTok and sparked a wave of support on the platform.
On November 13, TikTok user @fyval posted a video of the pet owner holding and gently rocking the small dog during a train journey. Text overlaid on the video said: “I just overheard someone say my tiny little dog was ugly and now I want to cry (and fight).”
The video, which has been viewed more than 132,000 times and liked more than 38,000 times, struck a nerve with viewers, who flooded the comments with messages of encouragement and love.
In the clip, the dog—whose name is Fox—appears calm and content in his owner’s arms. With long, wiry hair, a small frame and a tongue that hangs out permanently, Fox has a distinctive appearance that defies typical breed standards. But for many TikTok users, his uniqueness only made him more endearing.
The video’s caption, “My gorgeous boy,” was met with widespread agreement in the comments section.
Newsweek has contacted @fyval for more information via TikTok.
“Thank you for all your messages,” the TikToker wrote in a follow-up comment beneath the post. “Just to tell you a bit more about him. He’s called Fox. He’s 8 years old. He only has 1 tooth left and he also has alopecia. He’s a mixed breed. Although nobody’s quite sure what he is.”
Support poured in for both Fox and his U.K.-based owner. Dozens of commenters rejected the notion that Fox could be considered unattractive, instead praising his charm and comforting presence.
Fox’s visibly weathered appearance became a rallying point for users who admired the owner’s love and dedication. With just one remaining tooth and a condition that has led to patchy fur loss, Fox’s look may not align with conventional ideas of canine beauty—but the emotional reaction online showed how those standards are increasingly being questioned.
“Who dared insult that baby,” one viewer said. While another added: “Dogs are never ugly. Humans on the other hand…Don’t even get me started.”
“Bro he is not ugly he made me smile…People are so cooked,” another commented.
“We ride at dawn for him,” a user wrote. “Big kisses.”
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.