Normally Boisterous Dog Freezes on Live TV Just Like a Human with Stage Fright

Not everyone is a fan of going on live TV. With so many things to consider, it can provoke a crippling fear inside. Do you look into the camera? Where do you put your hands? What if I say something wrong? It’s a lot to process, especially knowing it will be recorded forver.

While humans may share this fear, we rarely consider whether our dogs might also feel this way. If this little sweetheart’s face is any indication, they do. Check out her on-screen look in this hilarious video from June 13:

This adorable special needs girl seemed a bit nervous on stage, and her mom, Tedi @tedisarah) wasn’t expecting this reaction from her usually lively pup. While it may be difficult to believe that Pani knew the cameras were rolling and being broadcast live on national TV, it’s hard to argue that she wasn’t experiencing some stage fright. Although she may be generally filled with energy, her mom reports that she “Decided to act stoned the whole time.” LOL! She does seem to have a bit of a blank look on her face, but perhaps she didn’t want to steal her lovely mom’s thunder by taking over the show.

Rescuing a Special Needs Dog

Pani was found abandoned on the streets of Iran with a spinal injury that paralyzed her from the waist down. A kind man took her to an Iranian sanctuary where she received initial care, but she was later flown to New York for the rehab she needed. She was fostered and then adopted by Tedi, who fell in love with her. Through rehab, she has made significant progress and can now even stand on her own sometimes. She now lives in Florida and enjoys taking dips in the ocean. Despite her challenging past, Pani has traveled extensively, having taken more than 100 flights. Her journey from Iran to the Sunshine State has been truly remarkable. 

People understood where Pani was coming from. One person shared, “I love her!!! This is literally me when I have to talk in front of people.” It can feel overwhelming to go on camera. Viewer @sincerely_yours_yoly remarked, “I actually thought she looked like a stuffed animal – she looks so adorable here that her face just looked unreal – like a little stuffed toy.” That describes this well. Viewer @cheznesss responded, “Pani is modeling. Good job, girl.” Ha! Perhaps that’s precisely what she was doing and why she remained so stoic.

Just like children, sometimes dogs behave in unexpected ways. It’s a small part of what makes every day with them so much fun!

About the author

Mandi Jacewicz

Parade Pets Contributor

Mandi Jacewicz is a Parade Pets contributor sharing heartwarming rescue stories, pet-parent tips, and viral animal moments. A lifelong dog lover, she joined Parade Pets in 2023 and also writes for Parade and Parade Home & Garden. As a mom to many Rottweiler rescues over the years, her work often draws on her own experiences. Today, her rescues are Lola, a feisty Frenchie mix, and Burton, an 80-pound snuggle bug. Originally from Connecticut, Mandi now lives in Florida, where she enjoys writing in the sunshine about the joy animals bring to our lives.