The internet has fallen in love with a tiny dog who got the “heebie jeebies” as she waited to be seen by a vet.
Sasha Elizabeth is a 13-year-old adored family pet who lives in New Jersey with her owner, dog groomer and business owner Tina Khowaylo, 54, after being bought from a store in 2011.
“Even though she technically was not a rescue, we feel she was as she was sick and we bought her, made her healthy again and gave her a loving home,” Khowaylo told Newsweek.
“She means everything to us. My kids, Lucas and Grace, are now in college so she is always by my side now.”
The Peekapoo—a mix between a miniature poodle and Pekingese—has now become beloved by millions after a short video of her in the veterinarian’s office went viral.
In the sweet clip, Sasha Elizabeth sits curled up in her owner’s arms in the waiting room, as a man’s voice can be heard speaking off-camera.
And the dog has a visceral reaction: positively shaking in her boots, her whole body trembling, as Khowaylo cuddles and comforts her.
“We’re at the vet. She hears the doctor,” her owner tells the camera, before telling Sasha Elizabeth, “It’s okay!”
TikTok @tinanicol17
Khowaylo, who owns dog grooming company Posh Pups LLC, wrote across the video: “When you hear the doc and know you’re next.”
She assured Newsweek readers that their veterinarian is “a very kind man,” and Sasha Elizabeth is more likely reacting in this way as it is “overwhelming for her with all the different animals and smells” in the vet’s office.
Shared to Khowaylo’s TikTok account @tinanicol17 on November 15, the video has already racked up over 4 million views and 770,000 likes, as animal lovers shared their sympathy with Sasha Elizabeth, and others found it incredibly relatable.
“Me when it’s my turn to speak in front of the class,” one commenter wrote, as another said: “Me when someone says we’re going to go around the room and share a fun fact about ourselves.”
“The doctor’s voice alone literally gave him the heebie jeebies,” one commenter pointed out, as one described Sasha Elizabeth’s reaction as “shivers = timbered.”
TikTok @tinanicol17
Khowaylo told Newsweek she doesn’t often use TikTok, but after rewatching the video multiple times and sharing it with friends, she decided to share it with the world.
“I don’t even know much about TikTok and had only about 30 followers,” she said. “A few hours later her video had almost 1,000,000 views and I had 1,000 followers!
“It’s crazy to me but I’m so happy that everybody gets to see my little Sasha Elizabeth. She is quite the character so I’m hoping I can continue posting funny videos of her and everybody can enjoy them as much as we do!”
While the Peekapoo hybrid is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Pekingese breed is described by the AKC loyal, affectionate and regal, while miniature poodles are noted for their intelligence and affection towards family.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
