They Didn't Want Their Senior Dog to Get Hurt at the Party. The Resulting Balloon Trick Went Viral (Exclusive)

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3 days ago

'I really have this internal feeling he knew he was getting his claim to fame soon,' Alexa Stockhausen tells PEOPLENEED TO KNOW
A 16-year-old dog named Marley found viral fame thanks to a loving family and one brilliantly simple idea
What started as a sweet party precaution turned into a TikTok moment that resonated with millions
In an exclusive interview, Marley's owner shares the story behind the now-famous balloon and the pup who just wants to be near his peopleAt a recent family party, one tiny guest nearly stole the show — and the internet. When 16-year-old Marley, a gentle Yorkie poo, showed up with a balloon tied to his back, no one expected the moment to become a viral sensation.
'People love a heartfelt story,' Alexa Stockhausen tells PEOPLE, still surprised by how quickly her sweet old pup captured hearts online. The TikTok text overlay told the tale simply: 'They put a balloon on our 16-year-old family dog so no one would trip on him at the party,' while the caption sealed it with love: 'diapers and balloons for our good boy Marley.'
Marley wasn't just a prop at the party. He was the beloved centerpiece, roaming gently between guests with a balloon floating above him that read 'beware of dog.'
'He's just a people lover,' Alexa says. 'He actually hates being alone.'
Alexa explains that Marley lives with her mom, but whenever her mom has to leave the house, someone makes sure Marley has company. 'I usually come here and just hang out with him,' she says. 'He's a friendly mush.'
The decision to outfit Marley with the party balloon came together in a moment of playful genius. 'My sister came up with that idea, and it was pretty spontaneous,' Alexa shares.
At 16, Marley moves a bit more slowly these days, but he still insists on being part of the action. 'We were kind of looking at the guy like, you know, how do we let him walk around safely?' Alexa recalls. So the balloon idea was born. It was both functional and undeniably adorable, giving guests a heads-up and Marley the freedom to stay in the mix.
The video, a short clip of Marley toddling around with the balloon bouncing above him quickly resonated with viewers. 'I didn't post it with the intention of it hitting millions of views,' Alexa admits. 'But at the same time, I wasn't too, too surprised.'
A social media professional herself, Alexa understood how the clip's emotional clarity and charm made it shareable. 'It was quick and to the point,' she says. 'And people knew exactly what was going on.'
'He's just always a happy dog,' Alexa says. 'He's got that gentle soul.'
During the pandemic, Alexa moved home and worked remotely, spending every day with Marley by her side. 'He would literally just sit next to me in Zoom meetings,' she says. 'He was just always there.'
She describes him as 'attached at the hip in the best way' and says he still has some of that old puppy energy. 'He'll start barking if we leave the house and when we come home,' she says. 'He just always kind of had that puppy personality in him.'
Even after 16 years, Marley's quirks continue to delight the whole family. 'He tries to eat our food all the time,' Alexa laughs. He does have a favorite snack. 'Chicken,' she confirms with a smile. 'He likes chicken a lot.'
Until recently, Marley was still happily playing with toys and chasing bits of joy like a dog half his age. 'He doesn't like baths,' Alexa adds, 'but when he gets out of the bath, he's the happiest dog ever.'
Marley also has a mischievous streak that has made him a minor legend in the neighborhood. 'He's definitely an escape artist,' Alexa says. Usually, he runs straight to a neighbor's house that's known for feeding animals. 'He knows he's getting treats there,' she laughs.
The balloon and diapers may have been the stars of the TikTok, but to Marley, they're just part of life. 'He's got a diaper on right now,' Alexa notes. 'He's totally fine with those, and the balloon did not faze him.'
Some commenters expressed surprise that Marley tolerated a balloon. Alexa assures everyone he was completely unbothered. 'He was just walking around like it was made for him,' she says.
When the video started gaining traction, so did the comments section. 'One of my favorites was just straight up, 'I would die for Marley,' ' Alexa says.
People also had practical questions, especially about what was wrapped around Marley's belly. 'A lot of people were asking about the diapers,' Alexa shares. Marley has been wearing them for a couple of years now. 'He doesn't have control,' Alexa explains, but says it doesn't seem to bother him at all.
In fact, Alexa would recommend the balloon trick to other pet owners looking to include their senior dogs in big events. 'Definitely,' she says. 'As long as they're not typically scared of balloons.'
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The joy Marley has brought to his family spans nearly two decades. 'He's brought us so much joy over the past 16 years,' Alexa reflects.
A few months ago, Marley had a bit of a health scare that left the family worried. 'He wasn't doing so hot,' Alexa says. 'But we took him to the vet, and he came out like a new puppy.'
Alexa likes to think Marley knew his big moment was coming. 'I really have this internal feeling he knew he was getting his claim to fame soon,' she says.
Marley joined the family in 2008 after months of Alexa begging her mom for a dog. 'She showed up with him,' Alexa remembers. 'And he's just been here ever since.'
As he continues into his golden years, Marley remains the heart of the home with his soft eyes, scruffy charm, a love of chicken and a balloon-worthy presence. 'He's happy,' Alexa says simply. 'He's just happy to be here.'
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