A golden retriever's transformation after being rescued from a devastating past has warmed the hearts of viewers online.

Bruce, the 9-year-old canine, had never lived inside a home before, let alone had access to affection and toys, before Aubrey Turner decided to adopt him. The rescue animal has tugged at heartstrings online after his adoption story, put together by Turner, went viral on TikTok.

The video, which was shared under @seniorboybruce on November 12, chronicled the pet's transformation from a neglected breeding dog to a beloved family member. The clip has since been viewed more than 162,000 times.

"Bruce lived his whole life in an outdoor shed with little to no socialization," Turner, 25, told Newsweek. "He has scars on his face, and in the month and a half that we have had him, we have only heard him bark twice. I can only imagine what kind of treatment made him so scared to use his voice."

Despite the dog's past, Turner, who is based in Indiana, said that Bruce's spirit has remained unbroken.

"You could tell by looking in his eyes that he desperately wanted to be loved," she added.

Viewers online were able to see glimpses of Bruce's life over the last few weeks, since being welcomed by Turner and her family. The dog appeared frightened and timid at first, before being pictured smiling among an array of toys.

An overlaid text on the video read: "My family gave me up after using me for breeding for nine years. I hope I can find someone to truly love me."

The video then transitions to scenes of Bruce adjusting to life in his new home, receiving affection, and even enjoying the comfort of being tucked in for bed—a stark contrast to his prior existence.

The dog had been surrendered to a rescue facility in Auburn, Indiana, before being transferred to Humane Fort Wayne. There, he was neutered and treated for heartworm.

Turner said that Bruce's adoption was part of a Foster-to-Adopt program, allowing the shelter to cover his medical treatment while he acclimated to his new home on a foster care basis. Bruce is now on heartworm injections to kill the live worms, and he has been placed on monthly medications and an exercise regime to keep them from coming back.

Turner, who had long dreamed of owning a golden retriever, said she and her wife decided to adopt Bruce after losing their first dog in July.

"We were not sure we were ready, but then I saw Bruce's picture online," she said. "I fell in love immediately.

"The next day, I went to meet him during my lunch break and ended up taking a half-day from work so I could bring him home. It really was love at first sight."

Still, the transition was not without challenges. Bruce was unfamiliar with basic commands, toys and even the concept of stairs. Yet, with patience and love, he began to thrive.

"Bruce has found a love for toys—especially his lamby—and treats, and he is learning how to be a normal dog at his age," Turner said. "His personality has blossomed, and you can see the life has come back into his eyes."

The TikTok post documenting Bruce's journey resonated widely, with viewers online praising his resilience and Turner's compassion for rehoming him.

"Another day of crying on TikTok," one viewer said. "Thank you for saving this baby, he was made for you."

"Every pup should be loved like this," another added.

Bruce's adoption was finalized recently after his brief period as a foster pet in Turner's home, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life with his new family.

"This loving boy has been through hell and back, and still sees the world as a heaven waiting to be explored," Turner said. "We may have rescued him, but he absolutely saved us."

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