Internet Applauds Puppy Who Wants to Make Friends, But There's a Problem

Dogs will often try to befriend anyone they meet, however one puppy has delighted the internet after showing that there are no limits to his friendship as he tried to befriend a very different type of animal.

In a TikTok video posted earlier this week by user @claire_ella, her golden retriever puppy is seen attempting to become friends with a very strange looking dog while out in West Virginia. So intent on making a new friend and playing in the park, the pup didn't quite realize that this was no ordinary dog, and it was actually a deer instead.

In the video, the young pup can be seen trying to encourage the deer to play and follow him around, but unfortunately, the wild animal showed very little interest in engaging.

Since the clip was shared, TikTok users have lauded the dog's keen attempts to become friends, even if the deer was having none of it. The video went viral and within days has currently gained more than 3.2 million views and over 760,700 likes.

Newsweek has reached out to @claire_ella via Instagram for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.

While this was a very calm meeting and the deer didn't react to the puppy, that isn't always the case. According to the United Kingdom-based charity Blue Cross, deer can become aggressive during birthing season (May-July) or mating season (September-November), so dog owners should be extra vigilant in those months.

Regardless of the deer's behavior, dogs should always be closely monitored around wild animals, as Blue Cross recommends keeping a safe distance of at least 50 meters or approximately 164 feet.

Wild animals can often carry fleas and ticks, so if your dog gets a little too close for comfort or perhaps if you've walked in an area that is filled with deer, it's wise to give your dog a thorough clean after. They should be checked for fleas and ticks after any potential exposure.

golden retriever puppy
TikTok users have lauded one puppy's attempts to befriend a deer while out for a walk in West Virginia. Tutye/Getty Images

TikTok Users React

Since the puppy's sweet antics went viral on TikTok, users applauded his valiant attempt to make a new friend, even if it didn't quite work out as hoped.

One TikTok user jokingly asked: "What Disney movie is this?"

Another responded: "This is the most pure thing I've seen all day!"

A third user added: "Looks like the beginning of a Disney movie."

While another commented: "Officially my favorite video on the internet."

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

About the writer


Alyce Collins is a Newsweek Life and Trends reporter based in Birmingham, U.K. with a focus on trending topics that ... Read more

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