In the realm of social media trends, few things capture people’s hearts quite like pets. One such trend, the “paw-pick” challenge, has taken TikTok by storm, but one particular dog named Stella has put her own twist on it, becoming a viral sensation. Stella, the dog owned by New York-based Caroline Scali (@carolinescali), has garnered more than 14 million views on TikTok with her unique take on the trend, hilariously enforcing the “girls only” rule.
In the now-famous video, Stella lies next to a man on an outdoor couch. As the challenge progresses, two hands appear from either side of the camera and meet in the middle. When the man tries to join in with his hands, Stella quickly steps in, using her mouth to push his hand away and place her foot on top of the girls’ hands. Humorous text appears on screen reading, “Stella says ‘Dad only for girls’ to trending feet.”
The video not only entertained millions, but also sparked lively discussion in the comments section. Stella was affectionately called a “girl among girls,” one TikTok user praised her actions as “queen behavior,” while another humorously speculated on what Stella was thinking: “Don’t touch my girls.” The overwhelming response to Stella’s antics highlights the deep bond and mutual understanding between her and the women in her family.
Interestingly, Stella’s behavior is consistent with scientific research showing that dogs can recognize human gender. According to a study conducted by the University of Queensland, the Queensland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the University of Newcastle in Australia, dogs can indeed distinguish between the sexes of humans.
The study, published in 2020, found that dogs often respond to men with defensive aggression, such as barking and staring. This difference in response is due to the different ways men and women interact with dogs: Women tend to interact with dogs with verbal encouragement, are more likely to use high-pitched, excited voices, and are more likely to display caring behaviors. Men, on the other hand, tend to favor punishment-based training methods and physical restraint.
The rapid spread of Stella’s video is testament to the widespread adoption of the “holding hands” trend, in which pet owners all over the world are involving their beloved companions in a simple yet heartwarming gesture of solidarity. As social media users continue to share their own versions, it’s clear that these videos resonate deeply, showcasing the loving and often humorous relationships between humans and their pets.
Stella’s videos continue to garner attention and praise, serving as a fun reminder of the joys and quirks of pet parenting. Whether enforcing the “girls only” rule or simply enjoying her family’s company, dogs like Stella are bringing laughter and love into the lives of millions every step of the way.
I encourage everyone considering getting a pet to just adopt, not shop around. Use this great pet adoption search tool from WildWatchers to find rescue animals near you.
Read more resources about animal adoption on One Green Planet, like “7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend,” “5 Reasons Everyone Should Adopt a Pet,” and heartwarming before and after photos of adopted rescue animals that will brighten your day! Read on for tips on pet adoption and things to consider before adopting an animal.
The best things in life are rescued with Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection
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