A golden retriever named Maverick has found a creative way to prevent his owner from leaving the house in a viral TikTok video. The dog holds his owner’s shirt in his mouth, refusing to give it back, leaving her with the dilemma of canceling her plans or ordering groceries online. Maverick, who just turned 5 in May, is described as a “velcro pup” by his owner, Mel Williams, from Arizona. Despite his attachment to her, Williams has learned to leave the house without causing stress for Maverick by using a simple phrase and making her return known.
Dogs hate seeing their owners leave because they may think that every time you go, you may never come back. The stress of separation can lead to changes in a dog’s physiological functions, such as heart rate, respiratory functions, and levels of stress hormones. The first 30 minutes after being left alone is usually the most stressful time for dogs, leading to behaviors like vocalizations, destructive behavior, pacing, and excessive salivation. While some dogs show signs of stress through urination on the floor as a way to relieve stress.
The video of Maverick went viral on social media, garnering over 694,000 views and 100,800 likes on TikTok. Viewers commented on the video, suggesting that the owner should take Maverick with her everywhere to prevent him from feeling left out. Some users even joked about Maverick’s “Doggy Civil Rights,” suggesting that he has a right to go wherever his owner goes. Williams, Maverick’s owner, responded by explaining that she tries to respect store policies regarding dogs and opts for ordering items online when possible to avoid leaving Maverick alone at home.
The special bond between Maverick and Williams is evident in the video and their daily interactions. Williams describes Maverick as a puppy at heart, despite being five years old, and mentions that he makes her life better. The TikTok clip captures the heartbreaking moment when Maverick refuses to give back his owner’s shirt, showcasing his attachment to her and his reluctance to see her leave. Williams emphasizes the importance of mindful pet ownership, taking into consideration the well-being of the dog when making decisions about leaving them alone or taking them along.
In conclusion, the viral TikTok video featuring Maverick and his owner highlights the emotional connection between dogs and their owners, particularly the stress that dogs experience when left alone. The video serves as a reminder to pet owners to consider their furry friends’ feelings and well-being when making decisions about leaving them alone or taking them along. The humorous and heartwarming clip has resonated with viewers across social media platforms, sparking conversations about dogs’ emotions and the special bond between pets and their owners.
