Not every dog is naturally outgoing. Some just need a little help to feel comfortable in a new environment.
When Anni Cummings, a dog mom from South Dakota, noticed her rescue dog Mojo was having trouble settling into their neighborhood, she knew she had to do something.
During those early days, Mojo barked at neighbors and passersby, not out of aggression, but from fear. Rather than let the behavior continue, Anni came up with a creative solution that would soon warm hearts across the community.
A Bucket Of Tennis Balls And A Message Of Friendship
From the moment Anni adopted Mojo from the shelter, she knew he was special. He was affectionate, playful, and quickly became her closest companion.
But there was one hurdle: Mojo was shy around unfamiliar people. When Anni and her boyfriend moved into a new neighborhood, Mojo had a tough time adjusting.
Each time someone walked past their yard, Mojo would bark nervously.
Anni didn’t want others to misinterpret his behavior. So she decided to help him in a way that was both simple and heartfelt.
Knowing Mojo’s love for tennis balls, Anni hung a bucket full of them on their fence, along with a handwritten note that read: “I promise I’m not mean. Just throw the tennis ball and we will be friends.”
Within twenty minutes, people began tossing balls for Mojo, watching him chase them with joy.
Soon, the entire neighborhood joined in. Children, neighbors, and even mail carriers stopped to play with Mojo and his Golden Retriever sister, Lily.
Anni captured the moment in a video on her TikTok account, and it quickly went viral. The clip resonated with viewers everywhere.
Comments flooded in:
“If I passed this on my commute. I would 100% be late to work,” one user shared.
“That is the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. I’d be there all day,” another said.
“You need to have a camera out there so we can live stream,” added a third.
Mojo’s transformation was undeniable. His social anxiety faded, replaced by a growing circle of friends.
A Full Life Surrounded By Love
Beyond the fence and tennis ball games, Mojo and Lily are thriving in South Dakota.
Thanks to Anni’s dedication, their days are filled with long walks, backyard fun, dog park outings, and road trips.
Chasing waves at the beach, joining fishing adventures, curling up for a nap, Mojo is savoring every moment.
Once a timid shelter dog, Mojo now enjoys a life filled with joy and a yard full of tennis balls and friends.