A dog brought his owner to tears after she learned the possible reason behind an adorable habit.
Golden retrievers are known for their loyalty and kind nature, according to American Kennel Club, and Chappie the dog is no exception.
Chappie’s owner, who runs his TikTok account, shared heartwarming footage of her faithful companion following her into the bathroom, which she says he often does.
She revealed she used to tell her dog to leave but the teary owner revealed the heartwarming reason she believes canines follow their owners to the bathroom, and the endearing footage has received 35,000 likes on TikTok.
@chappie.goldenretriever/@chappie.goldenretriever
Chappie’s owner said on camera: “So I just finished crying because I learned a fact about everyones’ dogs, you know when you’re trying to go to the bathroom and they keep trying to nose their way in, or they’re always standing at the door.
“Apparently when wolves and wild dogs protect one another while one goes to the bathroom, because when you go to the bathroom you’re vulnerable, they stand guard.”
Chappie who she describes as an “angel” wags his tail as he approaches his owner and then lies on the bathroom floor.
His owner, who preferred to remain anonymous, told Newsweek the golden retriever is a very happy dog who loves walks, especially in the mountains.
@chappie.goldenretriever/@chappie.goldenretriever
She added: “Every day when I come home, Chappie comes running towards me and wags his tail so much that his whole body wags.
“He is a loving and playful dog. He makes me feel loved, protected, happy and so much more. If I’m sad, it always helps to cuddle with him.”
According to Dr Carl, a family-run Australian pet shop opened by veterinarian Dr. Carl Hockey, there are a number of reasons dogs follow us to the bathroom.
In line with the theory proposed by Chappie’s owner, according to the Dr Carl website, dogs follow their owners to the bathroom because of their pack mentality, stemming from their wolf ancestors.
They also act as personal bodyguards, and as Chappie’s owner mentioned, you are in a vulnerable and exposed state when going to the bathroom, so faithful pups stand on guard to reduce the risk of attack, the Dr Carl website explained.
Another reason dogs may want to be by your side when you need to go is down to separation anxiety.
The Dr Carl website states: “If your dog seems truly distressed whenever you are apart, separation anxiety may be the culprit.
“Now this is not always the case, but some pups may experience anxiety when they watch you disappear into this mystery room – hence the whining and scratching at the door.”
Though there may be a simpler answer to a dog’s needy tendencies, they may just be curious about the “mysterious” bathroom or miss you after not seeing you for a while, Dr Carl added.
Chappie’s owner said in the footage: “So basically, I’m part of his pack and he’s just trying to protect me-it makes me cry.”
Many users expressed their emotional reactions in the comments section.
One said: “Dogs are earth angels.”
Lisa Ann commented: “I cried when I first heard that too! Now I don’t yell at my dogs when they follow me to the bathroom.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to [email protected] and they could appear on our site.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.