Woman Tries To Hang Out With Friends, Then She Sees Who’s in Backyard Pool

A woman’s casual poolside hangout with friends took an unexpected turn when she noticed movement in the water beside them.

But, rather than a surprise intruder, it turned out to be her golden retriever, Reefa, indulging in his signature evening swim.

The viral TikTok, posted on July 11 by @reefthegolden_, has racked up over 2.2 million views and more than 316,000 likes. The text layered over the video describes Reefa as “water obsessed,” while the tongue-in-cheek caption—written from the dog’s point of view—reads: “don’t mind me just getting my evening swim in.”

“Get him a life jacket so you don’t have to worry! My dog has one and it’s been amazing!!” one commenter wrote.

Another posted, “This is actually super dangerous because he might turn into a mermaid,” and a third commented: “What if he becomes the best swimmer in history, gets famous and pretends like he doesn’t know you anymore?”

One popular theme in the comments was ear health. Viewers worried about the risk of infections from all that swimming. The dog’s owner reassured everyone she has an “extensive” grooming routine and always dries Reefa’s ears after a swim session.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) says that a dog’s comfort level in the water varies widely by breed. While some canines are natural swimmers, others may struggle, making it important to help them feel at ease in and around water for their safety.

Additionally, a dog’s ear canal is more vertical and L-shaped compared to a human’s, which means it traps moisture more easily—a prime environment for bacteria or yeast that can lead to ear infections.

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe While Swimming

If your pup loves the water as much as Reefa does, the AKC and experts recommend keeping a few important precautions in mind:

• Check the temperature: Make sure the combined air and water temperature is at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold water can cause “cold tail” (also called limber or swimmer’s tail), where the tail droops and stops wagging. Hypothermia is also a risk, especially for puppies.
• Avoid water toxicity: Dogs can swallow too much water while swimming, leading to vomiting. Keep swim sessions short—10 minutes or fewer—and offer dehydrated or freeze-dried food afterward to help absorb excess water in their stomach.
• Pick safe toys: Choose small, flat toys like flying discs instead of large ones that might encourage gulping water.
• Be aware of natural hazards: In lakes, ponds, or rivers, watch out for creatures such as water snakes, snapping turtles, or even alligators in southern regions. And always stay mindful of ocean conditions.

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