A man reading his golden retriever a nightly bedtime story has melted hearts on social media as users hailed him for doting on his four-legged friend.
Destiny Laone of Orange County, California, captured a video of her boyfriend reading a children’s book to Oakley, their golden retriever. Oakley appeared to be listening intently as his owner read the book, which was based on Disney‘s 2015 animated film Inside Out, before he finally had to go to sleep.
The footage was shared on TikTok (@destinylaone) in July and has delighted viewers, who can’t get enough of the precious ritual. The post has gone viral, with over 275,500 views and more than 52,400 likes.
This was a particularly poignant moment for Laone. She wrote in the caption alongside the video that she’d always “dreamed of having a golden retriever” one day, and because her boyfriend has such golden retriever energy, she jokes that she now has two.
A stock image shows a man reading a book while his dog lies across his lap. TikTok users have hailed a boyfriend for reading a bedtime story to his golden retriever before going to sleep.
YakobchukOlena/Getty Images
It may come as no surprise that people will go to great lengths to keep their pets happy, especially as nine in 10 owners consider them to be part of the family, according to a YouGov survey. Indeed, 51 percent of Americans refer to themselves as their dog’s parent, and 33 percent call themselves their pet’s best friend.
But it isn’t just the companionship or laughter they provide us. Many owners believe their pets are just like them (but with four legs instead of two). The YouGov poll from 2022 says that 53 percent of dog owners in the U.S. think their pup has the same personality traits as they do, which may explain the unbreakable bond. For others, it’s not just about the personality but appearance too, as 23 percent say their dog even looks like them.
So aside from reading a bedtime story to help them sleep, what else are owners willing to do for their beloved pets? Letting them sleep in the same bed is a popular choice, as 64 percent of owners do this, while 57 percent buy their cat or dog gifts for the holidays. Some even treat them like their actual child by hosting birthday celebrations for the pet, as reported by 40 percent of owners.
After the video of Oakley enjoying his bedtime story went viral, the TikTok post generated more than 280 comments. Users were quick to praise Laone’s boyfriend for this adorable routine, while others joked that they want to start doing this now too.
One comment reads: “A golden retriever reading to a golden retriever.”
Another user wrote: “The fact he actually looks like he’s enjoying it and paying attention is so cute.”
“I’m going to start reading to my puppy now,” added one commenter.
Another person joked: “The brightest green flag I’ve ever seen.”
Newsweek reached out to @destinylaone via TikTok and email for comment and could not verify the details of the case.
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.
