In December 2025, several similar viral videos circulated on the internet. Inside was a sign leading to a large room that read, “Here the dog chooses the man.”
What followed was a heart-warming scene of people sitting in a gymnasium, dogs of all breeds and sizes sniffing at their feet, and eventually ‘choosing’ someone to kiss, who then became their owner.
But none of them were real.
Jeremy Carrasco, an artificial intelligence literacy educator and co-founder of Riddance.AI, debunked the video on his social media channels, pointing out the deformed humans in the background, visibly random and undecipherable objects, and strange human behavior.
In addition to more obvious AI instructions, such as expressions with too many hands and feet or odd timing, Carrasco reminded viewers to think about the logistics and feasibility of what was being depicted in the video in the first place.
For example, most shelters won’t allow anyone to take home a dog for adoption, even if they have a great connection. Pet adoption requires a screening to ensure that the animal is suitable for its future home and that the potential owner has everything they need to care for their new pet.
“Beware of over-staged situations,” Carrasco warned. “Look for real humane societies, not some AI sloppy pages like ‘Babies, Dogs, Cats.’ Their videos are made from videos stolen from real humane societies that deserve your input and donations.”
Animal Care Center of New York, a real animal shelter, was inspired by this viral pet adoption content and wanted to find a way to make it a reality.
Type “Love At First Wag.”
NYCACC coordinated a meetup similar to the one depicted in the AI video, but it required real planning and logistics to keep things running smoothly.
Some of these meet-ups will be held at a shelter in Queens on February 21 and 22, 2026.
Interested owners must first fill out a detailed interest form online. The form includes questions about where they live, size and age preferences for potential matches, activities they like to do with their dogs, behavioral challenges they’re comfortable caring for, the person’s experience with pet ownership, and more.
“This is your chance to let the dog choose you,” the shelter shared in a social media video that recreates the premise of the original AI content.
“If you’re the one they run to, and you see that glow, you might end up going home the same day with your new best friend.”
Compared to AI alternatives, shelters set up events for a limited number of guests to avoid overwhelming the animals.
“During each session, up to 10 adopters will gather in a room and pick up one medium to large adult dog and select a new family for themselves,” the NYCACC form says.
“You can leave adoption to our shelter dog preferences or come see if there is anyone you’re interested in. If you can’t find a match during group sessions, our counselors will be happy to help you find other options.”
Each participant must also make a $25 donation. This donation can be applied towards adoption fees if there is a perfect match, kept on file for future adoption, or gifted to a shelter.
Adoption fees include spaying/neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations. Those who choose to pay it forward will be helping others who want to adopt a dog and can enjoy the experience of “giving love to a puppy in our shelter,” NYCACC shared on social media.
Those who adopt a dog during the Love At First Wag event will receive a themed toy and a discount on all needed supplies at a local pet store.
With just a few days leading up to the event, there were still slots left for attendees to sign up for, but comments on social media showed that thousands of people were excited to see NYCACC make this concept their own.
“Finally something good is coming out of AI,” one person wrote on TikTok. “We hope the event will be a success.”
“I wish more shelters did this,” added another. “I will donate 100% of my money just to hold the dog.”
Others joked with clever strategies to win it all. “As a vegetarian, I rub bacon fat on my hands so I can get everything.”
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Header image courtesy of New York Animal Shelter/Instagram
