Woman Wonders Why Dog Loves Chest Strokes, Then Watches His Rescue Video


Dogs often have favorite spots where they love to be petted—whether it’s their backs, bellies, or behind the ears. For one dog named Leroy, it has always been his chest, and his owner didn’t realize why until she reflected on his adoption day.

In a January 28 TikTok video shared by @lazyboyleroy, Leroy’s owner wondered why her rescue dog preferred chest rubs over any other type of affection. While many dogs enjoy this spot, she couldn’t quite figure out the reason—until she stumbled upon footage from the day she first brought him home.

Speaking to Newsweek via TikTok, she recalled adopting Leroy when he was around four months old. In an old video from that day, she saw herself crouching beside him, reassuring him with soft words and comforting chest strokes. That’s when everything clicked: Leroy had come to associate that touch with safety and love from the very beginning.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she realized that chest rubs had become his source of comfort. She shared the throwback clip, showing Leroy in pure bliss, relaxed and secure as she stroked his chest—knowing he was finally home. The heartfelt moment resonated with many, racking up over 1.1 million views and 167,000 likes.

Viewers were deeply moved by the realization. One commented, “Those eyes and the yawn—he loved you from the second he was adopted.” Another added, “He remembers when he first met you and how good it felt. I wanna cry—we don’t deserve dogs.”

While petting dogs is a natural way to show affection, how can you tell if they truly enjoy it? According to Rover, dogs often signal when they want more attention. They may nuzzle into your lap, lean into your touch, or position their bodies to invite more pets.

On the other hand, they also give clear cues when they’ve had enough. It’s always a good idea to pause occasionally and observe their body language to ensure they’re still enjoying the interaction.

 

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