Copyright Newsweek
Like humans, dogs have personalities and develop quirky habits—just like this golden retriever who will only go outside at night under one condition. The text explains, "unfortunately my dog won’t go outside at night without her emotional support stuffed animal." The post has earned over 512,000 views on TikTok. The footage, shared by @theghofer, shows a golden retriever standing on a sidewalk in New York with a lamb teddy in her mouth before walking toward her owner, tail wagging. Viewers couldn’t get enough of the adorable nighttime ritual, which quickly turned into a wholesome comment thread filled with laughter and relatability. "Dude why are all dogs attached to this stuffed animal [?] Do they put something addictive in it genuinely, [?]" asked one user, and the owner replied: "There is SOMETHING in the lamb chops they are OBSESSED with." "Goldens love their stuffies," posted another user. "To be fair I need an emotional support going out late night in NYC," commented a third user. Why Do Dogs Like Stuffed Animals? Newsweek previously spoke to Susan Nilson, a professionally accredited cat and dog training and behavior expert, who explained why dogs may like to carry toys in their mouths. Nilson said: "Some dogs, especially those bred for hunting or retrieving, have a strong instinct to carry objects in their mouths so that could be a factor here. "It's also quite common for dogs to carry toys in their mouths as a form of comfort or security, similar to how a child might hold a security blanket or stuffed animal." For golden retrievers in particular—dogs known for their gentle temperament and retrieving instincts—carrying a toy can be both soothing and instinctive. Many owners notice their pets choose one particular "comfort item" and keep it close, especially during stressful moments or routine changes. The Science Behind Pets Usually, it is animals that are leaned on for support. Scientists have long known that dogs make wonderful companions, offering emotional support and even measurable health benefits to their human owners. They have been used in therapy sessions to ease anxiety, and past studies have shown that interacting with pets can boost relaxation and influence hormone levels. Research has also revealed that quality time with dogs can enhance brainwave activity associated with focus and relaxation. This bond may help explain why some dogs, like this golden retriever, find comfort in their own emotional support items—proof that loyalty and love go both ways. Newsweek reached out to @theghofer for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
