Absolutely Adorable Golden Retriever Is Pawsitively Desperate To Greet This Halloween Witch
For 10-month-old Atlas, a golden retriever and a very good boy, the concept of not being petted by anyone and everyone must feel like something that doesn't exist at all. As far as he is concerned, everyone should pet him.
Erin Lundy, Atlas’s mom, told The Dodo: “Atlas is the most sociable little pup; he loves new people and new friends, and always tries to get a cheeky pet by booping their hands and sitting politely in front of them.”
As far as dog breeds go, golden retrievers are notoriously friendly and intelligent. They're frequently trained to be working dogs and medical support service dogs, not to mention they're some of the best emotional support dogs on planet Earth.
In fact, statistically speaking, golden retrievers rarely show hostility or aggression toward other dogs or people. Many golden retriever enthusiasts and breeders would also argue that golden retrievers are the safest to have around new people, and maybe even more importantly, children.
Atlas is just as friendly as his breed's disposition and personality are famously known for; he truly believes everyone is his friend. On his regular walks with his family, he expects to be greeted by delighted strangers along the way... even those dressed for Halloween!
After the Fourth of July, Halloween is probably the second most stressful holiday for dogs to deal with in the United States.
DogTime says:
"With all the noisy decorations, parties, and people coming to the door, knocking, ringing the bell, and yelling, 'Trick-or-treat!' your dog can start to feel very anxious, especially if they're already prone to noise anxiety."
Since golden retrievers are so friendly and tend to handle crowds of people, even stressed-out people, pretty well, it’s not surprising that Atlas wasn't at all bothered by seeing a stranger in a witch's costume.
As Atlas and his mom approached a house with fresh Halloween decorations everywhere, they quickly noticed that at least one spooky item on the lawn was not a decoration at all... or at least he certainly didn't think so!
In fact, I suspect if you asked Atlas, he'd say, "That right there is a friend, a new friend, and I want my pets." Perhaps he thinks he is entitled to all the pets (he probably is, realistically speaking).
After Atlas approached her and sat patiently in front of her, he decided to take matters into his own paws and boop his nose into "her" hands.
“I laughed pretty hard when I saw him trying to get pets from a Halloween decoration,” Lundy told The Dodo. “It was endearing to see him so eager to make a friend. I don’t think he knew how to react to somebody not petting him either.”
On that particular day, Atlas was dismayed to realize they'd be leaving without getting pets from his new friend. But that didn't dampen his never-ending enthusiasm, not even in the slightest!
It seems Atlas has made it some sort of mission; he assumes it's not impossible to get pets from the witch. Every day, he tries his hardest to get his pets, to no avail.
Maybe someday she WILL come to life and give dear Atlas his well-deserved pets.
In the meantime, we'll just have to gush over him with insights from Dr. Laura Berman, a renowned sex therapist who states, "Pets can provide emotional support and companionship, enhancing our overall well-being." Engaging with adorable pets like this golden retriever can certainly lift our spirits, as noted by Dr. Eli Finkel, a relationship researcher who emphasizes the importance of joy in our lives: "Finding joy in small moments, such as interacting with pets, can significantly improve our emotional health."
Not all of us have an Atlas in our lives. If your dog is prone to stress on holidays like the Fourth of July and Halloween, it's important to take steps to reduce their anxiety and help them be as comfortable as possible on the big day. The Humane Society offers a few reasonable suggestions for families in need:
- If your pup is comfortable in a crate, "consider putting them in the crate with a treat-filled toy and some soft music playing in the background."
- Your cat may respond well to a spritz of Feliway to help them stay calm.
- Sit outside to greet trick-or-treaters; this reduces the sorts of noises that agitate dogs.
- If you're hosting a Halloween party, make sure your dog is in a safe space away from guests.
- Don't take your dog trick-or-treating.
How do you and your pets celebrate this cultural holiday? Share your stories and pictures in the comments now.
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