Owner Takes Dog to Beach—No One Expected Where the Day Would End

Newsweek

a day ago

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The phrase "a dog's life" typically refers to a life that is unpleasant, miserable, or difficult. But, for many pets today, that couldn't be further from the truth. Take Hershey, for example—a Maltipoo whose recent beach trip went viral on TikTok, racking up more than 3.4 million views in just one day (August 4).
The heartwarming footage shared to @minihersheybar.k shows the 4-year-old canine pulling hard on his lead as he heads toward the beach in Nice, France. The text layered over the video reads, "this is what happens when you say yes to your dog."
But it wasn't just a beach day he was after—Hershey wanted the full experience, and that's exactly what he got. The next few scenes show him peering over a wall at a beach club filled with sunbeds and blue-and-white umbrellas.
It isn't long before Hershey runs toward the stairs "on a mission," as noted in the caption. Soon, the owner and dog secure a front-row bed by the sea, allowing him to admire the scenery and relax to the sound of the waves.
Hershey appears to be loving life in a straw hat, and the owner said the pup even smiled the "entire time." During their five-hour stay, he enjoyed snacks and naps, and protected his eyes from the sun with pink sunglasses.
The wholesome content was a huge hit online, gathering 709,300 likes at the time of writing. The video, captioned "The guy knows what he wants," has 2,430 comments.
"I saw a post that said 'your dog's world is only as big as you allow it to be,' and that has drastically changed how often I take my dogs on adventures," said one user.
Another wrote: "Little dude teaching you have to take some time out."
A third posted: "Hershey likes it there because he gets so much sensory enrichment from the onshore breeze."
Taking Your Dog to the Beach Tips
Stock image: A happy Shih Tzu dog stands at a sunny outdoor beach café.
Stock image: A happy Shih Tzu dog stands at a sunny outdoor beach café.
TongTa/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Indeed, there is so much for dogs to enjoy at the beach. While Hershey likes to relax, there are many engaging activities that blend exercise, exploration, and play, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
A simple walk along the shore lets your dog take in new sights and smells, like sniffing seaweed or watching crabs—just be sure they don't eat the seaweed or sand, which can be harmful.
For more active fun, you can play fetch on the sand or in shallow water using a brightly colored floating toy, always mindful to choose a quiet spot and stay close to the shore. Splashing in the waves can be exhilarating, but it is important to monitor your dog's energy levels to prevent overexertion.
Confident swimmers might enjoy learning to surf or balance on a boogie board, which also helps build agility. Swimming can be introduced gently, with a life jacket and patience, while constant supervision remains essential—even for experienced dogs.
You can also try boating together in calm waters with proper safety gear, or let your dog indulge their love of digging by playing in the sand or knocking down sandcastles. Whatever you choose, the beach can be a joyful place for dogs—just keep safety and courtesy in mind.
Newsweek reached out to @minihersheybar.k for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.
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