Few people dislike surprises, whether it’s a simple treat like chocolate or something more extravagant like a new mobile phone. This delightful feeling is universally cherished. Sometimes, individuals surprise their loved ones simply to spread joy, which is precisely what one woman did after returning from a trip to Florida with her husband. While she intended to purchase groceries, she came home with something far more significant that completely caught her husband off guard.
Overcrowded Shelter
Upon arriving back in Des Moines, Iowa, Elaine Buhs headed to the grocery store to pick up some essentials. While she did buy those items, she made a heartfelt stop at the Animal Rescue League Of Iowa, where she volunteered. She realized that the shelter was overcrowded and felt inspired to make a difference. After returning to her car loaded with bread, milk, and other groceries, she surprised her husband by bringing home a 10-month-old Great Pyrenees mix named Buddy.
Being a content creator, Elaine shared her experience on TikTok through her account, @dog_momdsm. She posted a video explaining that the shelter was filled with dogs in need and described her emotional decision to foster Buddy, a nervous boy who required love and patience.
@dog_momdsm Our shelter is getting overcrowded with dogs so I decided to pick up a foster. Four beautiful dogs came in under socialized. One got adopted, one went to foster right away. There were two left so I took this nervous nelly. I’m gonna lay by him all night and see how it goes
#adoptdontshop #rescuedog #shelterdog #savealifeadoptapet #shelterlife #shelterdogsoftiktok #savealife
♬ Stuck in the Middle with You – Rerecorded – Stealers Wheel
“Our shelter is getting overcrowded with dogs so I decided to pick up a foster. Four beautiful dogs came in under socialized. One got adopted, one went to foster right away. There were two left so I took this nervous nelly. I’m gonna lay by him all night and see how it goes,” Elaine wrote in the video caption, which garnered a wave of positive responses from TikTok users.
“Wow! Absolutely beautiful 
,” one commenter praised, while another added: “He’s a handsome boy. Thank you so much for fostering!!” A third user playfully remarked, “Now keep him 
.”
A Big Furry Surprise
When she entered the shelter, Elaine requested a small puppy or one that seemed weary from the shelter environment. The staff suggested Buddy, the 10-month-old Great Pyrenees mix who clearly needed a break. To her surprise, the puppy was much larger than she had envisioned, almost the size of a small horse. Having come from a farm with an unwanted litter, Buddy was understandably undersocialized.
Arriving home, Buddy was too anxious for Elaine to bring him inside, so she called her husband for assistance, leading him to believe she needed help with groceries. He was astonished to discover her struggling with a large puppy instead, yet together they carefully helped Buddy into their home.
Initially, Buddy took to hiding under tables and avoiding contact with people. However, over time, he began to feel more at ease in his new environment. This big furry surprise will remain in his temporary home until he becomes more comfortable. Although Buddy may not have been the most convenient surprise for Elaine’s husband, he has since grown fond of the pup, appreciating the kindness that comes with fostering a dog in need.
