Moment Dog Realizes Baby 'Isn't Leaving' Leaves Internet in Stitches

Newsweek

11 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A golden retriever's reaction to discovering that his new baby sister is here to stay has left internet viewers in hysterics.
In a TikTok clip shared by mom Alice Wang (@brinkleyfromva), her dog Brinkley can be seen staring intently at a bassinet where the newborn is sleeping.
"Brinkley's reaction is a mix of curiosity and disbelief," Wang, 36, told Newsweek. "His incredulous expression gives off this, 'Are you kidding me?' sentiment, as if he refuses to believe the baby is here to stay."
From left: Brinkley, the golden retriever, stares at his newborn baby sister in her bassinet at home; and then at the camera.
From left: Brinkley, the golden retriever, stares at his newborn baby sister in her bassinet at home; and then at the camera.
@brinkleyfromva
When Wang and her partner Stephen Uyeno, based in Virginia, first brought the newborn home, Brinkley's response was much more energetic.
"He was very excited when we first came home with his sister, bouncing up and down as we entered the house," Wang said. "He enthusiastically—but gently!—sniffed the baby, very curious as to who she was."
Experts note that introducing a newborn to a family dog can be a sensitive transition.
Many canines, especially those who have been the sole focus of attention for years, can feel unsettled by the sudden change in household routines and sounds.
Golden retrievers, in particular, are known for being gentle, patient and affectionate family dogs, making them one of the breeds most commonly trusted around young children.
Golden retrievers' sociable nature means they often adapt well, although, like any breed, they need supervision and reassurance during the adjustment period.
For Brinkley, who had been the family's "only child" for seven years, adjusting to life as a family of four wasn't without challenges—for both parents and pup.
"The first few months [involved] navigating our life with a newborn and adjusting to new routines, learning to be parents and figuring out the beginnings of parenthood," Wang said.
"We know it was also challenging for Brinkley," she continued. "He had to learn to share space and attention, and he's been incredibly patient. We tried as best as we could to intentionally include him and make time with just him."
The clip has been viewed more than 262,000 times and received over 31,000 likes. Dozens of TikTok users commented, calling Brinkley's expression the "face of disapproval."
"He really gave you the side eye," one user posted.
"He's like, are you sure about this?" another wrote.
Nearly two years later, the relationship between Brinkley and his little sister has blossomed into something truly special.
"She adores him, often running up to him to give him hugs and kisses," Wang said. "He's a constant companion during her mealtimes, and she never fails to drop food for him.
"Recently, she has learned to say his name, and it never fails to make us smile when we hear her call him."