Dallas Woman Surprises Hardworking Trash Collector With Gift for Her Dog

Olivia Perkins left a high-vis vest for Genevieve Quintero's dog Princess after noticing the woman's daily trash pickup routine.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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For six months, Genevieve Quintero was spotted picking up trash outside Olivia Perkins' apartment in Dallas, Texas, with her loyal dog Princess by her side. Perkins decided to surprise Quintero with a tiny high-vis vest for Princess, a gesture that went viral on TikTok. Quintero later revealed she has been going through a tough time, including a divorce and having to sell her car, so Perkins set up a GoFundMe that has raised close to $15,000 to help Quintero.

Why it matters

This story highlights the power of small acts of kindness and how they can make a big difference in someone's life, especially for those facing difficult circumstances. It also shows the positive impact that social media can have in bringing attention to those in need and mobilizing support from the community.

The details

For five days a week over the course of six months, Olivia Perkins would see Genevieve Quintero, wearing a high-vis jacket, picking up the trash outside her apartment building in Dallas with her dog Princess. Perkins decided to surprise Quintero by leaving a tiny high-vis vest for Princess outside her front door, along with a cuddly toy and a note. Quintero was touched by the gesture, and Perkins shared the video on TikTok, where it went viral with over 13 million views. Perkins later learned that Quintero has been going through a difficult time, including a divorce and having to sell her Jeep, and is currently living with her son in a one-bedroom apartment. In response, Perkins set up a GoFundMe campaign that has raised close to $15,000 to help Quintero.

  • For six months, Quintero was spotted picking up trash outside Perkins' apartment five days a week.
  • Perkins left the vest, toy, and note for Quintero in February 2026.

The players

Olivia Perkins

A resident of Dallas, Texas who noticed Genevieve Quintero picking up trash outside her apartment building every day.

Genevieve Quintero

A Dallas resident who was spotted picking up trash outside Perkins' apartment for six months, with her dog Princess by her side.

Princess

Quintero's loyal dog who accompanied her on her daily trash pickup rounds.

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What they’re saying

“I just so happen to see the vest randomly at the store, while shopping. I decided to share the video in hopes that it will remind people to not only be nice, but to be kind to others.”

— Olivia Perkins (Newsweek)

“Thank you everyone for all the love. I've been crying reading all these kind comments. My job is not easy, but I still show up every day and Princess she loves to tag along.”

— Genevieve Quintero (TikTok)

What’s next

Perkins has set up a GoFundMe campaign with a target of $16,000 to help Quintero, who is currently going through a difficult time including a divorce and having to sell her car. The campaign has already raised close to $15,000.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the power of small acts of kindness and how they can make a meaningful difference in someone's life, especially for those facing challenging circumstances. It also highlights the positive impact that social media can have in bringing attention to those in need and mobilizing community support.