In a heartwarming TikTok video, a senior golden retriever named Hurley has captured hearts all over the internet with his priceless reaction to getting a pool built in his backyard just for him.
The viral video, shared on Tuesday under the username @monk.thegolden, opens with a view of construction workers installing the new pool. This is followed by footage of the pup and his younger brother Monk having the best time swimming in it.
“POV [point of view]: you’re a 14-year-old golden retriever and your parents put in a pool just for you,” reads layover text in the clip. A caption says: “He’s almost 15, he deserves it! We luv [love] you brudder Hurley!”
Heather Hughes, from North Carolina, told Newsweek that Hurley has brought “so much joy to [their] family” for over a decade, and they are grateful every day for these slower, sweeter moments with him.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 2023 and, through my treatment, sickness and recovery, he was right there by my side. I actually feel he perked up more so he could nurse me back to health. He never left my side,” Hughes said.
“Because he became so clingy to me during this time, (his brother, a rescue, died about the time I was diagnosed) we decided to add to the family,” she added.
“Right after my last treatment, we got Monk; he was actually born on Breast Cancer Awareness Day. My goal is to train him to become a therapy dog. Sharing joy online has become a big part of our journey.”
While many dogs like Hurley and his younger brother love water, others don’t like it as much, or at all.
Experts at Pet MD say that, due to physical build, temperament, or health issues, some breeds may not be too eager to get into the water, whether it is a pool or the beach.
One such breed is the pug. Because of its flattened nose, they usually have breathing problems, which makes it harder for them to perform strenuous physical activities such as swimming.
The dachshund is another example of a breed that doesn’t get along well with water. Because their bodies are so long and their legs short, wieners have to work harder to swim and stay afloat than many other breeds.
Long-haired dogs like the Shih Tzu may also not enjoy being in the water that much.
Regardless of your dog’s breed and their swimming abilities, it is very important that you introduce them to swimming in a gentle, gradual way. You should also always make sure that they are wearing a life vest, even if they are great swimmers.
The video quickly went viral on social media and has so far received over 1.4 million views and more than 28,000 likes on the platform.
One user, Pborosky, commented: “GREAT exercise for any senior or just hanging out. No stress on the joints in the pool.”
Fatbaby504 said: “Definitely deservesssssss this.”
Jennlynnreames added: “Our Goldens have a lake house. They’re literally the only reason we keep sinking money into it.”
Newsweek reached out to @monk.thegolden for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.
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