TikTok creator Maddi Cerasuolo, known as @madswellness, recently dropped a bombshell video that’s gone viral, and it’s all about her less-than-enthusiastic feelings toward dogs. Her “normalize not liking dogs” rant has surprisingly unearthed a massive, hidden community of fellow “dog dislikers,” but it’s also put her own relationship with her dog-loving boyfriend on thin ice.
Maddi’s initial post from January 22, was blunt, with text overlay stating, “normalize not liking dogs.” In the TikTok video, she didn’t hold back, declaring her unwavering position: “I don’t wanna pet your dog. I don’t wanna see a picture of your dog. I don’t wanna hear about your dog. Please keep your dog away from me.” Suffice to say, Maddi was brave to take such a strong stand in a world dominated by people who believe dogs are humans’ best friends.
According to the Daily Dot, she said dog lovers who claim to prefer animals over people are the real “red flags.” Maddi explained, “Dog lovers will act like we are the red flag. I actually think it’s the complete opposite. I think it’s people who prefer dogs over humans.” She even asked, “Why do you dislike humans so much?” This clip racked up 3.5 million views.
Maddi’s video was just the push this ‘voiceless’ group needed
What’s interesting is how many people secretly shared Maddi’s perspective. The comments section of her video quickly became a venting ground for ‘dog dislikers’ who felt seen and heard. People complained about dog owner entitlement, misbehaving dogs in public spaces, and how dogs can kill the vibe at restaurants, parks, workplaces, and various gatherings. It turns out there’s a huge, silent majority out there who just aren’t into dogs.
However, this newfound fame and solidarity come with a personal cost. Maddi revealed that her own boyfriend is a “dog person,” and his desire to have a dog is a major point of contention in their relationship. She expressed her worry that it could be a deal-breaker, saying, “He is set on having a dog and I’m just not. I don’t know if I can change my lifestyle to have a dog.” That’s a tough spot to be in, and it shows how deeply personal and impactful our views on pets can be.
Stunned by the overwhelming positive response, Maddi followed up with another post on February 25. She admitted, “I was very, very nervous posting that video speaking my truth about my dislike for dogs. But it is actually crazy the amount of people that agree.” It sounds like she genuinely felt a sense of relief and community. She closed out that video with a heartfelt salute to her new “people,” saying, “We are one. We are a community. I love you guys.”
Commenters were quick to jump in with messages of solidarity, with one user replying, “You have people. WE ARE YOUR PEOPLE. I AM YOUR PERSON.” Another wrote, “Bro I’ve been waiting years for someone to say this…”
Published: Mar 2, 2026 06:00 pm