While out on her run, Amy noticed a four-legged shadow appear at her side. The stray dog showed no aggression, simply matching the jogger's pace and running alongside her. Amy later admitted that she was hesitant at first, unsure if the dog was friendly or a potential threat.
After finishing her run, Amy went home, but she couldn't get the dog out of her head. Unable to stop thinking about her, she made the decision to go back. When she returned, the dog was waiting and allowed Amy to pick her up without a struggle. Amy officially adopted her new companion, naming her Mahina.
An outpouring of emotion online
The story was shared in a video by the prestigious American newspaper, The Washington Post, and Mahina's tale has since racked up over 5 million views on TikTok. People online were immediately touched by the dog's instinct:
"She chose you immediately!" wrote one user.
"She must have thought, 'I love running too, let's run together forever!'" another joked.
"Rescue dogs are the best. She will be the most loyal companion for the rest of her life."
What to do if you find a stray dog?
Amy's adventure ended in love at first sight, but coming across an animal without an owner requires caution. In the UK, the law and safety rules are very clear if you find yourself in this situation:
Assess their behaviour: Do not try to approach a dog that is showing signs of fear or aggression (growling, tail between its legs, raised hackles).
Check for identification: If the dog is friendly and lets you get close, check if it's wearing a collar with a tag and phone number. You can also take it to a vet or rescue centre to have it scanned for a microchip. This service is completely free.
Contact the authorities (It's the law): In the UK, you are legally required to report a stray dog. You must contact the dog warden service at your local council. They are responsible for stray animals and will arrange for the dog to be collected and taken to a local kennel or rescue centre (such as the RSPCA or Dogs Trust). If you find a dog out of hours, the council will have an emergency contact number. It is against the law to keep a stray dog without following these official procedures.