
Check out our latest products
Peanut’s story is one of hope repeatedly cut short. As a puppy, he was first welcomed into a shelter in Los Angeles, likely with wide eyes and a fragile heart. He was adopted soon after, full of the innocent belief that he had found a forever home. But that hope didn’t last. He was returned. Then adopted again—only to be returned once more. And again. Now, at five years old, Peanut has been returned three separate times, and he remains at The Vanderpump Dog Foundation, waiting for someone patient enough to earn his trust.
Shared on TikTok by @savethedogs, a page dedicated to spotlighting adoptable dogs, Peanut’s story has now touched hundreds of thousands. In the June 15 video, creator Nima Nasseri confesses he couldn’t even get close enough to film Peanut properly—because the dog is still so terrified of people. More than 500 days have passed since Peanut was last returned to the shelter. Since then, not a single adoption inquiry has moved forward.

Part of the challenge lies in Peanut’s behavior. He suffers from deep-seated fear and has a history of resource guarding, a behavior that makes some adopters hesitant. His online profile gently notes that while he gets along with other large dogs, he should be supervised, especially around items like water bowls. These traits, often misunderstood, can easily mask a dog who simply needs understanding and consistency.

Despite his fears, there’s something in Peanut’s eyes that continues to reach people. Commenters on the video have been struck by his expression—innocent, weary, and aching to trust. One viewer wrote, “I wonder what he went through that got him to stay shy,” while another said, “Praying this baby finds a forever home and gets all the love he deserves.”

Peanut’s journey has been long and full of disappointment, but it isn’t over. As the video gains attention, there’s hope that someone, somewhere, will recognize the gentle soul behind his fear and offer the safety he’s never truly known. Until then, Peanut waits—quietly, hesitantly, but with a tiny spark of hope still alive.
Click the video below to watch the full story:
@savethedogs He came in as a puppy. Now it’s been 5 years… and he’s still too scared to let anyone love him…
Click ‘SHARE’ below to pass it on to a friend or family member!
This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.