Golden Retriever Finds Chicken Nugget—Viewers in Hysterics by What Follows
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A golden retriever's unwavering determination to find a chicken nugget has left internet viewers in stitches, as the dog refuses to give up hope—weeks after finding one by chance.
The video, shared by the dog's owner who posts under the handle @piperthegoldengirlie, shows Piper the golden retriever excitedly sniffing around a bush where she once discovered a stray nugget. The clip, which has received more than 34,000 likes and over 211,000 views on TikTok, captures the pup's daily commitment to nugget hunting.
"My golden retriever found a chicken nugget here one morning 4 weeks ago and now we have to check every morning if there is a new one," the owner wrote in on-screen text. "It's part of our morning ritual now," they added in the caption.
Piper's dedication might seem hilarious, but it is not unusual behavior for a dog. The American Kennel Club says that sniffing is a crucial way for canines to gather information, likened to humans scrolling social media. Returning to the same spots is common, as dogs remember areas where they have previously found interesting scents—or tasty treats.
Golden retrievers in particular are known for their love of food and routine. The PDSA notes that this large, affectionate breed requires plenty of mental stimulation and a minimum of two hours exercise per day, which often include enthusiastic sniffing and occasional scavenging.
While Piper's nugget quest is adorable, experts caution against letting dogs eat random finds on walks. The Ontario SPCA recommends teaching the "leave it" command and rewarding pups for ignoring tempting items. Using a short leash, avoiding high-risk areas, and carrying treats to redirect attention can also help prevent scavenging.
Stock image: A golden retriever sniffs some grass.
Stock image: A golden retriever sniffs some grass.
Rupendra Singh Rawat/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Still, internet users couldn't get enough of Piper's persistence.
"Pls [please] hide a chicken nugget there," one posted.
"If I lived anywhere near Charleston I'd be on my way to put chicken nuggets in that exact same spot rn [right now] are you kidding me," another commented.
"He thinks it grows from the trees," added a user named Jorg.
"Just take him to McDonald's," someone else wrote.
"Excuse you, chicken nuggets bushes occur naturally. They only right to check," said Karli.
Other dog owners could relate. "My pom still drags me back two years later to the spot he found a scotch egg one Boxing Day morning. I thought it was a tennis ball till he bit it and egg popped out," shared one commenter.
Newsweek reached out to @piperthegoldengirlie for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
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.
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