Little Girl Plays Follow the Leader With Golden Retriever, Delights Viewers

Children are impressionable little sponges, picking up on people’s habits, but it isn’t just humans who inspire kids. Pets often get the honorary teacher title as kids follow their every move.

Parents often find their children mimicking their pets, but one little girl has made it her mission to be exactly like her best friend Norby. She looks up to her older doggy sibling. Wanting to copy her every move, she started playing follow the leader with the family’s golden retriever.

As Norby went to the bathroom, the child pretended to go. As she sniffed the bushes, the child started sniffing. Every single thing this dog would do, her mini-me was following right behind.

The caption on the April 18 TikTok video reads: “Same same.” And truly, they are two peas in a pod.

The child had no problem getting down and dirty with the dog either. Without hesitation, she plopped down on the grass right next to the golden as she was rolling on her back.

Newsweek reached out to @norby_bear via email for additional comment.

This isn’t the first time a dog’s habits influenced a child, capturing the internet’s heart. Two kids in one household followed the dog’s lead and started panting and politely asking for treats. One would even shake their butt to mimic a dog’s tail wag.

Similarly to the little girl following Norby, another kid intensely watched the dog, wanting to learn his every move. Before long, she was doing exactly what he did. The toddler learned to roll on her back, shaking from side to side like the dog.

A child and dog’s relationship is more than a cute moment shared with millions online, although, no one can complain about seeing those heartwarming videos. The truth is the bond children share with dogs comes with benefits. Purina posted that children who grow up with dogs receive constant companionship, a more active lifestyle, learn responsibility, and are happier and healthier.

Viewer Reactions

The heartwarming Instagram video had over 1.1 million views, 55,324 likes, and 216 comments. Viewers were obsessing over the cuteness of their relationship, which is clearly a strong one.

“It’s their world and we’re just living in it,” said an Instagram user.

Another wrote: “Adorable! Both are living their best life together.”

A third person chimed in: “That’s a lot of love and strong bond right there.”

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.