A stray dog that was rescued after running loose on the 110 Freeway downtown that went viral after video of the incident was posted to TikTok has been adopted into its new forever home.
The footage, which has garnered nearly 60,000 views on the social media platform, shows commuters on the freeway pulling over near Chinatown last week, jumping out of their cars and trying to save the scared pooch as he raced alongside the rush-hour traffic.
“We had no idea about that,” the dog’s new owners, John and Joey, told KTLA’s Sara Welch as they watched the video on TikTok.
The good Samaritan who was eventually able to rescue Bailey the dog turned him over to the North Central Animal Services Center where hundreds of other dogs and cats are also waiting for a forever home.
Bailey, who wasn’t wearing a collar when he was saved, was also not chipped.
“It was insane because when we got him, they just said he was a stray,” John told KTLA. “I’m not surprised that people saw him and wanted to help him out.”
The couple said that when Bailey was brought out at the shelter, there was an instant connection and they knew he was the right dog for them and a perfect companion for their other dog named Eve.
“The amazing staff at the North Central Animal Shelter said they’re not used to seeing a dog bond that quickly,” John said. “All of those great people that took the time and pulled over and took the time to get him taken care of and taken to an animal shelter, we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Luckily for Bailey, he was adopted quickly. However, many other dogs wait months for a chance at a forever home because the shelter system in Los Angeles is currently overcrowded and overburdened.
John and Joey said they’re hoping that their story will inspire others to adopt.