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By Soo Kim
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A video about a pet owner worried about leaving their dog home alone, and later discovers something unexpected through their pet camera, has gone viral on TikTok.
The clip, shared by @ourlittlepickle, the TikTok account of Pickle, a maltipoo—a cross between a Maltese and a poodle—shows the dog calmly waiting for his owner's return.
The video, posted on January 16, has amassed 1.4 million views, resonating with pet lovers who understand the anxiety of leaving their furry companions at home.
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The footage begins with a note overlay that reads: "Worried that my dog would chew up the house if we left him alone."
But as the video progresses, viewers see a different reality in the pet camera footage of Pickle, who remains peaceful, lying in different parts of the home.
The caption accompanying the video sums it up simply: "He was just waiting for us to get home."
The video serves as a touching reminder of the loyalty and patience of pets when their owners are away. While many fear the worst—chewed-up furniture or anxious destruction—Pickle's response highlights the deep bond between pets and their owners.
The unique relationship between dogs and their owners "bears a remarkable resemblance to an infant attachment bond," noted a May 2013 study published in PLOS One.
"Dogs are dependent on human care and their behavior seems specifically geared to engage their owners' care-giving system," the study said.
The pet owner's initial concern reflects a broader trend seen among pet owners, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many people adopted pets while working from home, creating deep bonds with their new companions. However, as pandemic restrictions eased and people returned to their offices, the shift raised concerns about how pets would cope with being left alone.
A March 2021 survey by market research firm OnePoll, in partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital, found that one in three people got a new pet during the pandemic. As they transitioned back to office life, 32 percent of pet owners reached out to their veterinarians for advice on easing their pets into the change.
The survey also highlighted the lengths some pet owners were willing to go for their pets. Nearly one in two Generation Z respondents and one in three millennials said they would consider switching jobs if their workplace was not pet-friendly.
'Broke My Heart'
The heartwarming video quickly struck a chord with TikTok users, with many expressing emotional reactions in the comments section.
User @hanahegic wrote: "I'm crying, I can't handle this." User @xiaralexus added: "I'm crying he looks just like my little poodle. I hate leaving him."
Another user, Amanda Clifford-Mills, shared her feelings: "Omg. I'm sure he's totally loved to bits but this broke my heart."
The sentiment was echoed by Nancy Jay, who commented: "I would give up work instantly."
For some, Pickle's behavior reminded them of their own pets. Auntiebabylove wrote: "Awww it hurts my heart. He's just waiting... it hurt my heart to leave my cats home too. Now I'm home."
User @cosybrownie simply stated: "Never leave that baby alone again."
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
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