When Mojo first arrived in his new home in South Dakota, his life changed in ways he couldn’t yet understand.
His mom, Anni Cummings, had adopted him from a shelter, and from the very beginning, she knew he was something special.
He was loving and playful, with a spark in his eyes that showed just how much joy he could bring. Still, there was one challenge — Mojo wasn’t comfortable with strangers.
From Nervous Barks to Warm Hellos
Moving to a brand-new neighborhood only made things harder for him. Every time someone walked past the yard, Mojo’s instinct was to bark.
It wasn’t because he wanted to scare anyone away — it was because the unfamiliar made him nervous.
His barking became a regular sound on the street, and while it was his way of protecting himself, Anni worried that neighbors might get the wrong idea about her sweet boy.
She wanted them to see the real Mojo: the one who loved playtime and longed for companionship.
That’s when she decided she would help him open up to the world, one small step at a time. She believed that with the right approach, Mojo could become the friendly, happy dog she knew he was meant to be.
A Clever Idea With a Bucket and a Sign
Mojo’s favorite thing in the world was a tennis ball. He could spend hours chasing one, his tail wagging and his eyes shining with excitement.
Anni realized she could use this passion to help him connect with people.
So, she filled a bucket with tennis balls and placed it by the fence. Beside it, she hung a sign that read: “I promise I’m not mean. Throw the tennis ball and we will be friends.”
It was a simple message, but it worked magic.
Within twenty minutes, someone walking by tossed a ball into the yard. Mojo’s mood changed instantly. Instead of barking, he sprinted after the ball, proudly bringing it back for another throw.
Word spread quickly. Soon, schoolchildren on their way home, neighbors out for evening walks, and even the local mail carrier began stopping to play.
Day by day, Mojo’s nervousness melted away.
The more tennis balls he chased, the more he associated new faces with fun instead of fear. His barking was replaced with happy yips, wagging tails, and eager eyes.
Even his sister, Lily — a cheerful Golden Retriever — joined in the fun, making the yard a favorite stop for anyone passing through.
Before long, a video of Mojo’s “friendship bucket” made its way to social media, where it quickly went viral. People all over the world commented on how heartwarming the idea was.
Some said they would be late to work just to stop and play. Others wished they could visit in person.
The simple gesture had turned one shy rescue dog into a local celebrity — and a worldwide source of smiles.
Living His Best Life Every Day
Mojo’s life now is filled with joy. Thanks to Anni’s patience and creativity, he no longer fears strangers. Instead, he sees them as potential playmates.
He spends his days with Lily, enjoying walks through the neighborhood, trips to the dog park, and adventures with his family.
Some days, they chase sunsets at the beach. Other days, they join fishing trips or explore new hiking trails. At home, they relax in the yard, nap on the couch, and greet friends who stop by to toss a ball or share a treat.
Mojo’s days are a balance of calm moments and bursts of pure excitement.
It’s hard to believe that not long ago, Mojo was a shelter dog unsure of the world.
Now, he’s a beloved member of the community and a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can change a life. All it took was one bucket of tennis balls and a mom who refused to give up on her pup.
From anxious barking to joyful greetings, Mojo’s journey shows that friendship sometimes starts with something as simple as a toss, a catch, and a wagging tail.