When a thunderstorm rolls through the area, an owner’s pit bull—often viewed as a tough, intimidating breed—runs to hide in her “safe spot,” a moment now melting hearts on social media.
In a February 15 Instagram video posted to the account @kiwi.andthecrew, a pit bull named Roo retreated to the laundry room during a storm, a habit that started by accident. Roo eventually claimed the dryer as her storm sanctuary, and, in the clip, she hops inside with a blanket already there for her while wearing her ThunderShirt, which dog owners use to ease anxiety.
“One rainy evening, I went to bed, and I guess I had left the dryer door open,” owner Carolina told Newsweek via Instagram. “In the morning, when I went downstairs, I couldn’t find her, but I heard a weird, metallic thunking. It turned out to be her tail wagging against the inside of the drum.”
Since then, Roo seeks the dryer during every storm—a much more frequent occurrence after the family moved from Calgary, Canada, to Texas. Carolina said it has been an adjustment for her, her husband and the rest of the dogs. She suspects Roo feels safest in the dryer because it muffles the sound of rain and thunder. And when the dryer door is closed, Roo waits in front of it with a sad look until someone opens her haven.
Many canines experience stress during thunderstorms, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) explains that this fear can stem from a mix of sensitivity to changes in air pressure, previous negative experience, survival instinct or the overwhelming sensory input storms create, as dogs have significantly better hearing than humans. Some experts believe dogs can feel the storm looming long before humans do, which means their fear often begins well before the first rumble.
To help dogs cope, the AKC recommends creating a safe, quiet space where they can retreat—something Roo appears to have done on her own. Other techniques include using calming wraps like ThunderShirts, playing white noise to mask the sound of thunder, and avoiding punishment.
“She is monitored and safe there, never unattended,” Carolina said. “My husband and I are always there with her, but are happy to provide her with a cozy blankie where she feels safe!”
Video Highlights a Familiar Feeling
The Instagram post had reached over 816,000 views and more than 1,200 comments within five days. Pet parents felt bad for Roo, while also sharing similar stories of how their scared animals seek comfort during storms.
“Mine hides in the shower with his blanket,” said a viewer, with a second person adding: “My Lab used to go into the closet. Then it dawned on me that the clothes make it nearly soundproof.”
Others sent positive thoughts to Roo: “Precious Roo, it’s pretty quiet in the dryer. Hope you’re comft. It will pass, little one.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
