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By Alyce Collins
Senior Reporter
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A rescue dog getting to celebrate her birthday for the first time in her life has melted hearts online.
For the first three-and-a-half years of her life, Maple the Boston terrier knew only pain, neglect, and abuse. She was rescued from a breeding mill in 2024, as her owner, Lexie Mckillop said the dog had been attacked, had her "ears bitten off," and was used to sleeping in her own feces.
"Maple was rescued after suffering unimaginable pain and abuse. She'd spent every day in a cage, with very little human interaction, and no exercise or puppyhood. She came to us terrified of the world, covered in scars and wounds," Mckillop said.
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But life couldn't be more different for Maple now, who has found a loving forever home in Overland Park, Kansas. Her owners love to spoil her with treats and ensure that she feels loved.
Last month, Maple celebrated her fourth birthday, and Mckillop was sure to make it a day to remember. The rescue pup had plenty of gifts, balloons to play with, a birthday tutu, and, of course, a pup cup.
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Her owners said it was her "first birthday knowing true love."
Mckillop continued: "After everything she's been through, it means so much to make her feel special, safe, and adored. When I get the chance to celebrate my girl, I'm going to make it big, because that's what she has always deserved.
"She had the zoomies, tail wags, and the happiest face all day. It's like
she knew it was all for her, and she soaked up every second of it. You can't fake that kind of happiness," she said.
Maple certainly appeared to be living her best life, as a video posted on her dedicated TikTok account (@thebostonduo) showed just how delighted she was. Since the video was posted on April 23, it has gone viral with more than 110,300 views and over 24,900 likes at the time of writing.
The clip shows Maple tearing open her presents, running around the dog park with Walter the Frenchton, and sporting an adorable pink birthday hat. It's hard to pick a favorite moment, but Mckillop said that, for Maple, it would have been "having the whole day be about her."
Aside from the excitement, Mckillop was delighted that Maple "felt seen" on her special day, after years of being ignored.
As it turns out, Maple's owners certainly aren't the only ones who like to celebrate their dog's birthday. Indeed, this is a common experience among 47 percent of dog owners, according to a poll by YouGov. This wasn't as popular among cat owners though with just 29 percent.
The survey showed that some owners prefer to show how much their pet means to them in other ways. The most popular way was by letting them sleep in the bed with them, which was reported among 67 percent of dog owners and 73 percent of cat owners.
Other common practices on the list included buying a pet gifts, including them in holiday photos, dressing them in clothing, and taking them on vacation.
What Do TikTok Users Say?
Mckillop has been blown away by the online response. She's connected with countless pet owners who love making their pup feel just as special.
"So many people have reached out saying they were touched by her story," Mckillop told Newsweek. "A lot of rescue parents have told me it reminded them of their own dogs' journeys. It's emotional seeing how many people connect with her healing—and how much hope she brings just by being herself."
Social-media users can't get enough of Maple's birthday celebrations, leading to more than 300 comments on the viral video so far.
Many TikTok users praised her owners for finally giving the pup the birthday celebration "she's always deserved," while others revealed the wonderful ways in which they've honored their dog's big day.
Among the hundreds of responses, one person replied: "I don't know why I'm getting teary eyed, but I hope she has the best birthday!"
Another TikTok user wrote: "Every dog deserves this much love, happy birthday Maple."
Another person added: "I love seeing dogs treated the way they deserve to be treated."
While one comment reads: "May this type of love find all shelter pups. But especially Maple in her dress!"
Update 05/09/25, 11:45 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comments from Lexie Mckillop.
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