Traumatized dog shakes with fear, but shelter volunteer knows just what to do

Kansas City, Missouri - This heart-melting video struck a nerve with millions of TikTok users.

The Chihuahua Amigo was extremely stressed.
The Chihuahua Amigo was extremely stressed.  © TikTok/Screenshot/katie.and.the.snoots

On Saturday, Katie Grissum, who works in Kansas City at the non-profit animal shelter KC Pet Project, uploaded a clip on her TikTok account, katie.and.the.snoots.

It shows a Chihuahua named Amigo, who just arrived at the shelter. He's shaking like crazy and is clearly terrified of human contact, twitching and cowering in a corner. 

Katie explains in a voice-over what happened that day in the "small dog room". 

Puppy wants to make friends at socialization class – then the heartbreaking truth sinks in
Dogs Puppy wants to make friends at socialization class – then the heartbreaking truth sinks in
Cat gives owner epic death stare for this hysterical reason: "sincerely plotting your demise"
Cats Cat gives owner epic death stare for this hysterical reason: "sincerely plotting your demise"

Normally, she doesn't stay around anxious dogs, preferring to give them space, but she saw something in Amigo that convinced her she should stick around.

Katie Grissum is proud of a job well done

Step by step Katie Grissum built up trust in the dog.
Step by step Katie Grissum built up trust in the dog.  © TikTok/Screenshots/katie.and.the.snoots

Katie's instincts were in fact dead-on. As she sits quietly next to the tiny tyke and lets him make the next move in his own time, Amigo slowly stops trembling and becomes more comfortable in her presence. 

Soon, he's carefully moving towards Katie and climbing onto her lap, snuggling up in her arms.

Katie admits she can hardly contain her excitement, although she maintains a calm demeanor so that she doesn't scare the traumatized Chihuahua. Her shy four-legged friend lets her pet him in the end, as he starts to doze off, feeling safe for the first time. 

Catfight! Kitties bicker over who gets to sit near the baby in adorable viral video
Cats Catfight! Kitties bicker over who gets to sit near the baby in adorable viral video
Dog owner is shocked to see how her Golden Retriever handles 12-hour plane journey!
Dogs Dog owner is shocked to see how her Golden Retriever handles 12-hour plane journey!

Katie ends the video by proudly adding, "I know I've said this a million times, but this is truly my dream job and I am excited that I get to share this experience with you".

With more than 560,000 followers on TikTok, the young woman is used to her content getting a lot of views, but the amount that this clip – over 18 million – got might have surprised even her.

Little Amigo's story clearly struck a nerve with the internet!

Cover photo: TikTok/Screenshots/katie.and.the.snoots

More on Dogs: