When Wen-Ling L. posted a simple TikTok of her French bulldog Kygo sniffing the air for the very first time, she never expected millions of people to watch. The clip showed her 4-year-old pup, cone and all, catching a whiff of food after surgery — and the moment was as funny as it was heartwarming.
“The video itself couldn’t be more ordinary — just a dog lifting his head toward a container of food,” Wen-Ling tells PEOPLE. “But overlaid with the words, ‘When your dog discovers their sense of smell for the very first time after nose surgery (BOAS),’ it instantly transformed into something extraordinary.”
Her caption was simple too: “he can smell everything now. this was within the first 24 hours of getting BOAS surgery.” Almost overnight, the clip was flooded with likes, shares, and comments from dog lovers everywhere.
For Wen-Ling, the reaction made sense. “I think people can relate to wanting the best life possible for their pets,” she says.
And that’s exactly what this moment was about. “Pet owners just want to give their dogs the best chance at life, and that’s what this moment was about for us,” Wen-Ling shares.
Kygo’s surgery was meant to help with his breathing, not his nose. Like many French bulldogs, he struggled with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). “Kygo is a very relaxed and laid-back dog who loves to go out and play,” Wen-Ling explains. “But sometimes, his stamina runs low, and we can’t go very far or play for too long because his breathing starts to sound strained.”
The hope, Wen-Ling says, “was that he could enjoy being out with his friends in the summer without overheating and struggling to breathe.”
But what they didn’t expect was the sweetest side effect: Kygo’s sense of smell bloomed almost overnight.
“Before the surgery, if we were eating his favorite snack, a banana, it could take him 30 minutes to even notice, but now it’s instant,” Wen-Ling says with a laugh. “Whenever we have a banana on the counter now, Kygo is right there begging, like the smell is just so sharp for him.”
She remembers the very first night home. “I ordered Korean bone broth soup, and as soon as I opened it, he put his little nose in the air for the first time ever,” Wen-Ling recalls. “He never used to do that, and I couldn’t stop laughing when he sniffed right on command.”
From bananas on the counter to flowers in the park, Kygo now notices it all. “He loves smelling things now on his walks,” Wen-Ling says.
The change has been more than just adorable. “He actually hasn’t been huffing and puffing as much, and even on a hot day in New York, he was able to walk without breathing issues,” she shares.
And at home, the transformation is just as clear. “He’s snoring less, he doesn’t regurgitate anymore, and he’s just so much quieter overall,” Wen-Ling says. “He used to not be much of a cuddle bug, but now, after the surgery, he wants to cuddle us more than ever.”
Looking back, Wen-Ling feels nothing but gratitude. “Watching him stick his little nose in the air made me realize it was the right thing,” she says.
@its.me.kygo He can smell everything now 🥺 this was within the first 24 hours of getting BOAS surgery. #dogmom #dogsoftiktok #dogtok #itsmekygo #kygothefrenchie #frenchbulldog #frenchie #BOAS #creatorsearchinsights ♬ original sound – KYGO 🐾
Wen-Ling hopes Kygo’s story inspires empathy, and also a bit of awareness. “People should understand the potential health issues that come with Frenchies, and be prepared for that responsibility,” she notes.
Her advice to other dog parents is simple: “Do a lot of research and make sure the doctor you choose understands the uniqueness of Frenchies,” she says. And with a practical reminder, she adds, “Definitely get pet insurance, because the medical bills can really add up with this breed.”
Still, all the worries, questions, and risks were worth it for that one joyful moment. “Seeing him now, I just know it was worth it,” Wen-Ling says warmly.
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