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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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A viral Instagram video of an unlikely friendship between a puppy and a Highland calf has captured the internet's heart.
The clip, shared to @rosiesgoldenscotland, has now racked up more than 6.5 million views and shows a golden retriever puppy named Rosie snuggling beside a Highland cow calf in the Scottish Highlands. The pair appear utterly content, with the calf enthusiastically licking Rosie's face in an affectionate display that has left viewers swooning.
The video, captioned from the dog's perspective, reads: "I made a new pal yesterday—a wee Highland coo calf. Spent a good 15 minutes snuggled up, even lay down and refused to leave. If you're looking for me, you know where I will be."
Read More on Pets
Newsweek spoke to her owners Kenya and Patrick Chappel, who live in Glasgow, Scotland. They said: "When we tried to walk away, she lay down on the spot and refused to budge—as if to say she wasn't done with her new little friend. It was such a sweet, gentle moment and felt like a genuine connection between the two of them."
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Clearly, Rosie has made quite the impression on her bovine companion, and the wholesome interaction has earned over 441,000 likes and thousands of comments.
"Who can be more affectionate than a golden retriever? A golden cow," wrote one user.
Another added: "Absolutely stunning, both lovely animals. Highland Cows are my favorite."
A third viewer declared: "This is the cutest thing I've ever seen."
And a fourth commented: "She has found herself a foster 'mom' that just wants to love her with licks."
A Moment of Joy, But a Reminder Too
While the video showcases a tender and rare moment of interspecies affection, animal welfare organizations are using the attention to remind pet owners about the potential dangers dogs pose to livestock—even unintentionally.
According to Blue Cross, a U.K. animal charity, dogs have a natural instinct to chase moving animals, a behavior that can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences for farm animals.
Why Livestock Are at Risk from Dogs
Some dogs—especially herding or hunting breeds—are more likely to exhibit chasing behaviors. While many can walk calmly on a lead around livestock, instincts can kick in suddenly and without warning, making it essential to keep dogs leashed and closely supervised near farm animals.
Even dogs that don't physically touch livestock can cause significant stress or harm simply by running toward or barking at them.
The Blue Cross highlights several risks:
- Injuries: Animals may flee in panic and injure themselves by falling or colliding with barriers.
- Stampedes: Frightened livestock can bunch together in fear, potentially crushing smaller or weaker members of the group.
- Miscarriages: Pregnant animals may lose their young due to extreme stress.
What may look like playful behavior from a dog's perspective can result in very real distress for livestock.
Keeping Encounters Safe
While heartwarming videos like Rosie and the Highland calf are a delight to watch, experts urge dog owners to exercise caution and prioritize animal safety on farms and in the countryside. The responsibility lies with pet owners to ensure that these serene moments stay joyful—and never turn harmful.
Update 07/29/25 07:40 a.m. ET: This story has been updated to add comments from the owners and the original video.
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