'Vocal' Foster Dog Begs for Pizza Despite Still Recovering From Surgery

Despite recovering from surgery, this rescue dog wasn't going to let that stop her from begging for her owner's food, leaving the internet in hysterics with her determined efforts.

After spending several years with her previous family, Miracle, who is thought to be around 9 years old, was surrendered to Animal Care Centers of NYC earlier this year. Claire Manship heard about Miracle and offered to foster her until she's adopted. She loved the dog's sweet temperament, telling Newsweek that she was "very quiet and shy" at first—but that would soon change.

Miracle's health wasn't in the best shape, and she required dental surgery, and she needed to be neutered. While recovering in her foster home, Manship, of Harlem, New York City, thought all Miracle needed was some rest, but as it turns out, all she really wanted was some pizza.

As Manship tucked into her pizza, Miracle showed just how vocal she has become and repeatedly begged for a bite.

Miracle, aged 9, pleading for some of her foster owner's leftover pizza. Miracle wasn't allowed to eat anything crunchy after having dental surgery, but that didn't stop her from trying. Miracle, aged 9, pleading for some of her foster owner's leftover pizza. Miracle wasn't allowed to eat anything crunchy after having dental surgery, but that didn't stop her from trying. @womanship / TikTok

"As her teeth are still healing, she's not allowed to have any crunchy food right now, so I had to deny her pizza," Manship said. "But she's had a lot of whipped cream and cheese instead while she's been feeling under the weather.

"I'm used to Miracle being vocal, but it really caught me off guard that she was essentially having a back-and-forth conversation with me. She really thinks that we're speaking the same language. She certainly understands what I'm saying and is a really good listener."

Gone are the days of Miracle being a quiet and reserved pup, as she's really let her true character shine through now. She isn't afraid to make it clear when she's hungry, but that's not the only time she puts her voice to the test.

"She has become very vocal. She sings when she's sad, when she wants food, and sometimes she wakes up from dreams in the middle of an argument with someone," Manship continued.

Miracle was fostered through Muddy Paws Rescue, who told Newsweek that she was surrendered by her previous owner after six years together due to "allergies and no space" in their home.

Mallory Kerley, the marketing director of Muddy Paws Rescue, explained that she was in a really "bad shape" when she was taken in. But since being fostered and undergoing treatment, she's healthier and "so much happier" now too.

While the rescue has received some interest in Miracle so far, she was still available for adoption at the time of writing.

The Social Media Reaction

After fostering Miracle, Manship has been documenting the experience on social media (@womanship on TikTok). Her followers love seeing Miracle's antics, but the video of her pleading for some pizza has especially delighted the internet, with over 655,200 views and more than 79,100 likes on TikTok.

People online have lauded the pup for her determination, with many insisting that Manship must give her foster pup some pizza immediately.

"The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. People love how charismatic Miracle is, and many note how big her personality is," Manship told Newsweek via email.

"If there's any negative reaction, it's all in jest. The public is upset that I didn't even give her the pizza crust, but to assuage those concerned citizens, I made another video explaining that Miracle can't have any pizza while she heals from dental surgery."

Along with the volunteers at Muddy Paws Rescue, Manship hopes that all this viral attention will help find a forever home for Miracle. Indeed, she has loved showing people the impact that fostering can have on an animal's well-being, as it gives them the confidence to unleash their true personality.

"She is a kind and gentle girl who would do great with a family of any size. She's fantastic with kids and other dogs but may not be the best fit for a household with cats or other pets. Miracle does great with apartment living, but she also loves the wide-open spaces.

"Surprisingly, she has the energy of a puppy, so someone who wants to take her on regular walks would be a great parent," Manship continued.

With over 3,700 comments on the viral TikTok post, plenty of social media users were astonished that Manship managed to say no to Miracle's valiant pleading.

One comment read: "But she makes several good points."

Another TikTok user wrote: "Give that sweet baby some pizza crust!"

While another person commented: "Give her the pizza already. I'll order her own pizza for her."

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.