Golden Retriever Puppy Sees Dad After First Day at Daycare, Goes Viral

A golden retriever puppy named Bauer has captured hearts across the internet with his emotional reunion with his owner after the first day at daycare.

In a viral TikTok video shared on Wednesday under the username @imbluethesiberiann, the puppy is filmed sprinting toward his dad as soon as he spots him from behind the door, leaping into his arms and showering him with kisses.

“Picking up my puppy from his first time at daycare,” reads layover text in the clip, as the puppy goes on to grab his own leash and drag himself around.

“The way he carries his leash like ‘I’m ready let’s go home!’ He had literally the best time and was the best boy,” the caption says.

The poster, Corey Moriarty, from Palm Beach, Florida, told Newsweek that they had no idea how their 4-and-a half-month pup old was going to react to his first day at doggy daycare, and thought his reaction was really cute.

“He was thrilled to see his dad and was running around with his leash in his mouth like he was ready to go home,” he said.

But this doesn’t mean that he didn’t enjoy his time at daycare, on the contrary, he loved it, according to his dad.

“He had an amazing time [at daycare], the staff said he was the life of the party and made so many new friends, he can’t wait to go back!” Moriarty added.

With over 80 million pet dogs and 60 million pet cats living across America, pet care is a booming industry. There are currently over 20,000 pet care facilities throughout the country.

The global pet boarding market is estimated to be worth approximately $20 billion, and projected to grow to $36 billion by 2031. In America, doggy daycare costs an average of $35 per day, while dog boarding services cost an average of $40 per night.

The video quickly went viral on TikTok and it has so far received over 679,900 views and 84,300 likes on the platform.

One user, Ssjp1107, commented: “This. This right here is why I can never understand how people can be cruel to animals. The unconditional love is amazing.”

Sandraclouthier53 said: “Anyone that says your pets are not your children… show them this video!! That baby is so excited to see you!”

Catherine Haines added: “Awwww when your outside having a cuddle he looks like a baby polar bear with them feet.”

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.