This year, Christmas came a little early for Tessa, Tarz, Stevie, and dozens of other dogs waiting at Save-A-Dog Scheme, Inc., an animal shelter in Victoria, Australia.
Though many of these pups are still hoping to find a permanent home, the shelter staff wanted to bring some holiday cheer to their lives.
Christmas Surprises Brighten Shelter Pups’ Days
Instead of waiting for adopters to arrive, the team decided to give the dogs their own special celebration. Each pup was offered the chance to choose a gift for themselves—a way to bring joy and excitement into the sometimes lonely shelter days.
For the animals, the moment was pure magic. Their tails wagged furiously, ears perked up, and eyes lit with delight as they explored the colorful toys laid out before them.
@save.a.dog.scheme They’ve chosen their toys, now they’re waiting for someone to choose them. 🐾🎁 The best gift they could ever get? A forever family to share it all with. ❤️ #saveadogscheme #adoptdontshop #dogsforadoption #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #animalshelter #santapaws #melbourne ♬ All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
It was more than just a simple treat. For these dogs, many of whom have experienced uncertainty or loss, it was a reminder that someone cared deeply for them.
The joy on their faces was a language all its own, one that needed no words to convey how much the moment meant.
Individual Personalities Shine Through
Watching the dogs pick their toys quickly became a window into each pup’s personality.
Some approached the presents with careful, thoughtful movements, gently nudging their chosen items as if making a serious decision. Others, full of energy and excitement, bounded from toy to toy, letting their enthusiasm guide their choice.
Tessa, a lively little terrier, seemed to know exactly what she wanted, pouncing on a squeaky plush ball as if it were the most precious treasure in the world.
Tarz, calmer and more contemplative, sniffed each option before settling on a soft chew toy he could carry around proudly. And Stevie, whose playful spirit could light up any room, grabbed two toys at once, as if to make sure no one else could take them.
@save.a.dog.scheme Since you all loved the first TikTok, we’re back with Part 2! The shelter dogs are picking their Christmas presents, and it’s safe to say they’re pretty excited. #saveadogscheme #adoptdontshop #dogsforadoption #rescuedog #animalshelter #santapaws #melbourne #dogsoftiktok #shelterdog ♬ Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
The staff watched on with smiles, capturing the priceless moments and cheering on their furry friends.
Even brief hours in the shelter can feel long and uncertain for these animals, but giving them the chance to choose their own toys brought a spark of happiness to each day. For the dogs, it wasn’t about the objects themselves—it was about the freedom to make a choice and the feeling of being seen and loved.
The Greatest Gift is a Forever Home
While toys and treats brought excitement and laughter to the shelter, staff members at Save-A-Dog Scheme, Inc. know that the ultimate gift each dog could receive is a loving forever home.
The shelter team works tirelessly to provide care, attention, and love, but nothing can replace the comfort of a family who will take these pups in, heart and home alike.
“We’re doing everything we can to show them love and kindness,” the shelter staff wrote. “But our hope is that each dog finds a family to call their own, where every day can be filled with safety, warmth, and happiness.”
@save.a.dog.scheme And we’re back with Part 3! Thank you all so much for the love and support on the previous videos. We’ve filmed every shelter dog having their turn choosing their own Christmas present, and it’s been so heartwarming to see. If you’d like to see the other parts, let us know what you want to see more of and if we should keep making more! If you can, please consider donating to help us this holiday season. With bills piling up each week, we’re truly struggling to keep up. Anything you can give to our Paws and Claus donation drive would mean the world to us and the animals in our care. Just copy this link: https://www.givenow.com.au/sadspawsandclaus Thank you so much for your kindness and support! #saveadogscheme #adoptdontshop #rescuedogs #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #animalrescue #donate #supportrescues #shelterdogs #dogsoftiktok #pawsandclausdonationdrive #animalshelter #christmaspresents ♬ Christmas MashUp – Christmas 🫶🏼
For now, Tessa, Tarz, Stevie, and the other shelter dogs continue to enjoy their toys, the small joys of the present moment, and the knowledge that people are rooting for them.
Each wagging tail, each playful leap, reminds visitors and staff alike why the work they do matters so deeply.
These gifts may bring laughter and smiles, but the real hope is that soon, every pup will have a home filled with love and the sense of belonging they’ve been waiting for all along.
Even a simple act—a chosen toy, a comforting pat, or a kind word—can mean the world to a dog who has known uncertainty. And as the holidays approach, the shelter’s reminder is clear: love, attention, and patience are gifts that last far longer than the season itself.