Dog Refuses to Go Inside After Owner Went on Vacation
A heartbreaking video of a golden retriever who refused to go inside the house after his owner went on vacation without him has gone viral, sparking a wave of empathy.
The video, which was shared on Tiktok under the username @nycgolden shows the dog, named Bowie, walking around the house emotionally as the owner prepares to leave.
Bowie is later seen standing by the door, watching the owner leave with a look of sadness and dejection. Although the owner patted him and assured him that he would be well cared for, Bowie remained visibly upset.
The video’s caption reveals that the owner is traveling to Italy for two weeks. While they are excited about the trip, they are also experiencing a sense of guilt and regret about being away from their beloved pet.
However, they reassured themselves that their dad would be well cared for by Bowie in their family home.
“On our way to Italy for 2 weeks. Very difficult to leave Bowie behind,” the overlaid text on the video read. “Regretting every second that I planned this trip. However, i keep reminding myself that he will be with my dad in the house he knows and he will be fine.”
The second part of the video shows Bowie’s emotional state after his owner’s departure. The dog owner’s dad had sent him a video of Bowie still sadly sitting outside after they left.
“My dad sent me this video. He said he is still sitting outside on the stoop refusing to come in,” the overlaid text on the video reads.
The video has stirred strong emotions online, with many people expressing sympathy for the dog and others sharing their own experiences of leaving their pets behind for vacations, expressing their understanding of Bowie’s emotional distress.
While some viewers expressed empathy for the owner’s feelings of guilt and regret, which sheds light on the emotional toll that leaving a beloved pet behind can take on pet owners, others suggested that pet owners consider destinations and accommodations that allow them to bring their furry companions along.
“I am a wreck just watching this! It’s so hard leaving them!!” one user shared. “As a pet sitter, it’s almost always harder on the parents! I always send tons of pictures, I genuinely love getting to be that little connection between pets and their parents. They are family!” one user wrote.
“Even with our trusted housesitter, I’m an emotional wreck when we leave our dog. Coming up on a month overseas in September, and I can’t stop thinking about how much I’ll miss her,” another shared.
“haven’t been on an destination vacation in 11 yrs and I wouldnt have it any other way. if he can’t go, I don’t go,” another added.
“I completely understand. My husband calls me the crazy dog lady,” another added.
The video has generally generated discussions about the challenges of pet ownership, the importance of emotional well-being for both humans and animals and the potential impact of separation anxiety on pets.
Bowie’s refusal to come inside and his visible sadness highlights clear indicators of separation anxiety and the profound emotional distress that pets, particularly dogs, can experience when separated from their primary caregivers.
The video also underscores the strong emotional connection between humans and their pets. Bowie’s love and loyalty to his owner are evident in his behavior, emphasizing the importance of considering pets’ emotional needs when making travel plans.
Furthermore, it raises questions about the best practices for pet care during extended absences. While Bowie’s owner had arranged for his dad to care for him, the video highlights the challenges of ensuring a pet’s comfort and well-being when they are away from their familiar environment.
@nycgolden I’m sure he’ll be fine. Its me that I’m worried about 😅#goldenretriever #dogtiktok #dogtok #doglover #petsoftiktok #mansbestfriend #dogsoftiktok ♬ Stay With Me – Instrumental – CHANYEOL & PUNCH
