A dog that was left tied to a tree and abandoned by the side of the road has found his forever home—and his story is melting hearts across the internet.
Michelly Guimarães (u/Dry_Presentation4300), 27, from Minas Gerais, Brazil, shared the emotional journey of rescuing her dog, Pipoca, in a Reddit post that garnered over 13,000 upvotes in the subreddit r/MadeMeSmile. Guimarães told Newsweek about the day she found the malnourished pup five years ago.
She said: “He was so weak that he didn’t even react to me. He didn’t look up or move, just laid there completely still. He was severely dehydrated, underweight, covered in fleas and ticks, his fur was matted, and he looked terrified. I knew right then and there he was mine. No second thoughts. That was instantly my baby boy.”
Guimarães added that she had been walking home early from work when she heard the sound of heavy panting coming from a nearby bushy area. Initially, she thought it might be a lost dog hiding in the bushes. But, when she went to investigate, she discovered Pipoca tied to a tree and completely unresponsive.
After receiving urgent veterinary care, Pipoca was brought home. But adjusting to his new life wasn’t easy. At first, he moved cautiously around the house, unsure if he was safe. Guimarães recalled how he seemed confused, walking slowly and watching her for cues. It took about an hour of gentle encouragement before something clicked—suddenly, he burst into a joyful fit of zoomies, running around the house like he finally understood he was free. That night, he slept peacefully for the first time.
The first year was difficult. Pipoca was deeply traumatized and reacted fearfully to everyday objects such as brooms and belts, and even simple movements like someone changing clothes.
Loud noises and unfamiliar men were especially triggering. Pipoca never acted aggressively but would bark and try to control the situation when he felt unsafe. Guimarães recognized that this behavior was a survival response shaped by past abuse.
Determined to help him recover, she began a long process of desensitization. She would leave nonthreatening objects, like a belt, near his treats, and play with her cats using brooms to show him these items weren’t dangerous.
Over time, the pup’s fear began to fade. A turning point came when she was sweeping the floor and Pipoca calmly walked over and licked her feet—a moment that marked a major breakthrough in his healing. It took nearly two years, but his progress was steady and profound.
Today, Pipoca is a happy, healthy dog with a strong bond to his rescuer.
Michelly Guimarães/Michelly Guimarães
“These days, he’s my best friend, we’re absolutely obsessed with each other!” Guimarães said.
She named him Pipoca—Portuguese for “Popcorn”—because of his love for jumping around. He follows her everywhere, especially since she works from home, and spends his days playing in the garden.
Every evening, like clockwork, Pipoca rounds up the cats and brings them inside.
Guimarães said that Pipoca is intelligent, loyal, and protective—and her very own little bodyguard.
Though she is not sure of his breed, the vets suspect that he’s part-herding dog due to his natural instincts.
Guimarães was overwhelmed by the online response to their story. She hadn’t expected so many strangers to care about Pipoca, but the outpouring of kindness moved her deeply. “I read them all out loud to him,” she said. “He didn’t understand a word, of course, but his tail wouldn’t stop wagging.”
Reddit users flooded the comments with love and admiration:
“From tied up to totally thriving, what a glow up. You saved each other,” wrote one user.
“This is so heartwarming, I’m so glad I saw a post like this,” said another.
One comment read: “Two years to overcome his trauma. Poor baby! So, so glad you found and saved him.”
Another added: “A million thank yous for rescuing and loving this boy. He’s adorable!!!”
A viewer posted: “Beautiful dog for a beautiful soul.”
“Aww, I have a street dog we adopted from Mexico that looks very similar!” commented another.
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.
