Shelter Dog with No Applications Gets to Pick His Own Christmas Toy in Heartfelt Video (Exclusive)
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Yesterday at 04:30 AM
Longtime volunteer Julie Saraceno shared a TikTok of a shelter dog named Finn picking his own Christmas toy
Julie Saraceno
Julie Saraceno TikTokJulie Saraceno's video showcasing shelter dogs at the Benton Franklin Humane Society in Washington picking their own Christmas gifts is nothing short of adorable. One now-viral clip, however, highlights one loving shelter pup named Finn who is in desperate need of a home.
Saraceno, a dedicated volunteer since 2020, tells PEOPLE exclusively, "I love making the dogs feel special while they wait for their forever homes."
Last year, she noticed a demand from people across the country who wanted to help the dogs she spotlights on her TikTok page after watching her videos. "I realized that I have many followers as far away as New York," she says of Good Samaritans who couldn't necessarily adopt the pups. "So I created Amazon Wishlists for the longtime dogs so they could have beds, blankets and their favorite toys and treats."
@juliesaraceno2 Adopt Finn. ❤️ bullylove adoptashelterdog volunteer tricitieswa
♬ Ice Dance - Danny Elfman
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To Saraceno's surprise, the donations flooded in and she was able to provide for every single dog at the shelter.
Once again this year, she posted videos of available animals, along with an Amazon Wishlist. And throughout December, she posted clips of various dogs choosing their favorites from among a pile of new toys sent by her followers. One TikTok, featuring Finn perusing the gifts with pure joy, went viral, garnering 3.8 million views.
Julie Saraceno
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Saraceno notes that Finn is one of the dogs at the Benton Franklin Humane Society who hasn't received adoption applications, and encourages followers to consider taking him home, as he's been at the shelter for more than one year now.
"He's just the sweetest boy," she writes on TikTok. "He would love to have a home for the holidays."
Related: Chance Lunch Delivery Leads to Dog Adoption at Virginia Shelter: 'Love at First Sight'
Since sharing Finn's story, Saraceno has seen donations multiply, with the mailman having to make multiple trips to deliver all the packages. "I love that Finn went viral," she says. "I hope it helps him get a home."
Followers hope so, too. "Hoping the next time I see Finn, it is him going home with his new forever family," writes one user. "I hope your forever family finds you soon, Finn. You are so deserving," writes another.
"I would love to see shelters all over the world do this for their homeless pets. I also hope it inspires people to donate to this shelter or their local shelter," Saraceno says. "Seeing how much joy they get out of a $5 toy just makes me want to try harder to get them the homes they deserve."
