A rescue dog getting to celebrate her birthday for the first time in her life has melted hearts online.
For the first three-and-a-half years of her life, Maple the Boston terrier only knew pain, neglect, and abuse. She was rescued from a breeding mill in 2024, as her owner said she’d been attacked, had her “ears bitten off,” and was used to sleeping in her own feces.
But life couldn’t be more different for Maple now, who has found a loving forever home. Her owners love to spoil her with treats and ensure that she and her canine sibling, Walter the Frenchton, both feel loved.
Last month, Maple celebrated her fourth birthday, and her owners were sure to make it a day to remember. The rescue pup had plenty of gifts, balloons to play with, a birthday tutu, and of course, a pup cup.
@thebostonduo / TikTok
Her owners said it was her “first birthday knowing true love.”
Maple certainly appeared to be living her best life, as a video posted on her dedicated TikTok account (@thebostonduo) showed just how delighted she was. Since the video was posted on April 23, it has gone viral with more than 110,300 views and over 24,900 likes at the time of writing.
Newsweek contacted @thebostonduo via Instagram for comment.
The clip shows Maple tearing open her presents, running around with Walter, and sporting an adorable pink birthday hat.
As it turns out, Maple’s owners certainly aren’t the only ones who like to celebrate their dog’s birthday. Indeed, this is a common experience among 47 percent of dog owners, according to a poll by YouGov. This wasn’t as popular among cat owners though with just 29 percent.
The survey showed that some owners prefer to show how much their pet means to them in other ways. The most popular way was by letting them sleep in the bed with them, which was reported among 67 percent of dog owners and 73 percent of cat owners.
Other common practices on the list included buying a pet gifts, including them in holiday photos, dressing them in clothing, and taking them on vacation.
What Do TikTok Users Say?
Social media users can’t get enough of Maple’s birthday celebrations, leading to more than 300 comments on the viral video so far.
Many TikTok users praised her owners for finally giving the pup the birthday celebration “she’s always deserved,” while others revealed the wonderful ways in which they’ve honored their dog’s big day.
Among the hundreds of responses, one person replied: “I don’t know why I’m getting teary eyed, but I hope she has the best birthday!”
Another TikTok user wrote: “Every dog deserves this much love, happy birthday Maple.”
Another person added: “I love seeing dogs treated the way they deserve to be treated.”
While one comment reads: “May this type of love find all shelter pups. But especially Maple in her dress!”
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