Stray Dog Finds Warmth and New Home at Miami Target

A shopper adopted the stray dog on the spot after it ran into the store seeking shelter from the cold.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A short video clip of a stray dog running into a Target store in Miami, Florida to seek warmth on a cold day has gone viral on TikTok. The video shows a woman, later identified as Dean, quickly purchasing a leash and adopting the dog on the spot. The heartwarming moment was captured by another shopper, Bea Torres, who posted the video online, leading to an outpouring of support and donations for Dean and her new dog, now named Honey.

Why it matters

The video highlights the kindness of a stranger who stepped up to help a stray animal in need, as well as the power of social media to amplify and inspire acts of compassion. It also touches on the issue of homelessness and lack of shelter for animals, which is a problem in many communities.

The details

In the video, the stray female dog is seen sitting calmly as Dean fits a newly purchased leash around its collar. Torres, who was shopping at the time, decided to film the moment and post it online, where it quickly went viral, receiving over 4.9 million views and 1.1 million likes on TikTok. The comments section was flooded with people sharing their own pet rescue stories and offering to donate to support Dean and her new dog.

  • On January 16, the video was posted on TikTok by Bea Torres.
  • The incident occurred on a cold morning in Miami when the stray dog ran into the Target store seeking warmth.

The players

Bea Torres

A 42-year-old shopper at the Target store in Miami who captured the video of the stray dog being adopted.

Dean

The woman who adopted the stray dog on the spot after it ran into the Target store.

Honey

The name given to the stray dog that was adopted by Dean at the Target store.

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What they’re saying

“To the woman who today adopted on the spot the stray dog that ran into Target seeking warmth...You are an awesome human being.”

— Bea Torres, Shopper (TikTok)

“Honey looks so happy. Dean does too.”

— Bea Torres, Shopper (Newsweek)

What’s next

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support Dean and her new dog, Honey, after the viral video led to an outpouring of support from viewers.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story demonstrates the power of compassion and the difference one person can make in the life of a stray animal. It serves as an inspiring example of how small acts of kindness can have a profound impact and bring joy to both the giver and receiver.