In a viral TikTok video, a golden retriever named Duke spots his owner’s best friend walking into his backyard–what he does next has internet users in tears.
The heartwarming video, shared in July under the username @Dukethatgolden, shows the pup running up to the gate as his owner’s best friend stops by to say hi, standing impatiently on his hind legs, jumping, and wagging his tail as she lets herself in.
“My golden retriever seeing my best friend (his girlfriend) Julia,” reads layover text in the clip, as the pup finally gets to hug his favorite guest, smothering her with love on the poolside benches, before jumping in the pool together.
“If you know my golden retriever you know his girlfriend is my best friend since childhood & he is OBSESSED with Julia.”
The poster, 26-year-old Zarah Kelleher from New York City, told Newsweek that Duke and Julia have known each other since the day she brought Duke home, and have always loved one another.
“She helped me from the day he was a puppy, and is from my hometown in Maryland. Everytime I go home to my parents house, they come back to their bond!” she said.
Dogs can create deep and meaningful bonds with the people they like, but what exactly makes them like some people over others?
According to certified dog behaviorist Scott Sheaffer, dogs often based their preferences for certain people on how those individuals interact with them.
There are four main types of people when it comes to meeting unfamiliar dogs. “Cynophobic Persons,” who fear dogs, behave stiffly, avoid contact, and may show panic symptoms, making dogs uneasy.
Indifferent “Dog Persons” aren’t interested in dogs but don’t bother them, which actually makes them more approachable to dogs.
“Dog Lover Persons” adore dogs and often overwhelm them with attention, loud voices, and direct contact—actions most dogs dislike when meeting new people. This over-enthusiasm can backfire, leading to rejection.
In contrast, “Dog Knower Persons” both love and understand dogs. They read canine body language and follow essential greeting rules: no direct eye contact, touch, talk, or approach, and maintain a calm demeanor. These respectful behaviors help dogs feel safe and understood.
The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 1.7 million views and 265,300 likes on the platform.
One user, Lauren, commented: “I also have a best friend named Julia who my dog is obsessed with.”
Regina Philange said: “I think if he could crawl inside of her skin he would!”
Danielle Roberts added: “Love this he literally can’t contain his happiness around her. Priceless moment!!”
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.
