Internet In Love With Dog Who Shares Half His Food With Favorite Soft Toy

Some dogs can become very territorial about their food, but viewers recently fell in love with a dog who doesn’t mind sharing during meal time.

In a January 16 TikTok video, posted to the account @rwcollins315, Spencer the 3-year-old Doberman was chowing down during meal time, and sitting right next to him was one of his stuffed animal besties. Being the kindhearted dog he is, Spencer did the unexpected to benefit his friend.

Owner Ray Collins told Newsweek that Spencer usually brings most of his animal-looking toys to his dish while he eats. The turtle in the video was Spencer’s favorite toy for that meal.

“I don’t know why, he spilled food for the turtle but he had done that back-to-back feedings,” Collins said. “I wish I had caught the actual action on camera.”

There must be something special about this turtle in Spencer’s mind. He shared half his meal with the stuffed animal not once, but twice.

The precious act of kindness quickly gathered the Internet’s attention. The clip reached over 3.1 million views, 602,200 likes, and 3,838 comments as of Tuesday.

“Melt my heart. That is so sweet,” wrote one viewer.

Another suggested the owner acknowledge Spencer’s friend: “Get a smaller bowl for the stuffy, make it part of his dinner.”

However, Collins does not know how much longer the turtle will be around. He said Spencer’s friends don’t last long as friends.

As for the food, Collins mentioned that his other dog came in and ate what the turtle couldn’t finish. At least nothing went to waste!

Food Guarding

Not every dog is as willing to share their food. But, one cannot fault dogs who become overly protective of their food since this trait, although undesirable, was formed while in the wild. If dogs weren’t born with a strong drive to protect their food, they most likely would not survive.

Vet Street reported that sometimes this behavior, known as food or resource guarding, forms in puppies as the little fur babies compete for food. However, it can develop at any time. The first sign of food guarding should be addressed immediately with your vet as it could be an indicator that aggression is forming. Plus, it is easier to correct sooner rather than later.

The Vet Street website continues with suggestions for addressing the problem which include teaching your puppy that someone approaching the food bowl is good. To do this, you will periodically approach your pup while eating, drop in a small treat, and walk away.

Owners might also want to consider avoiding free-feeding or leaving the food out all day long because dogs will think they have to protect the food all day long. Finally, if your dog growls over the food bowl, do not remove the food. This will only teach your dog that their access to food is in jeopardy.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.