Woman Adopts Puppy, Who She Thinks Is Her Mom Melts Hearts

Newsweek

23-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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In a viral TikTok video, a tiny French bulldog puppy claimed her owner's lookalike dog as her new mom, and internet users can't cope with their relationship.
The clip shared on Monday under the username @inked.life100 shows little Lainey, the puppy, lying on the bigger French bulldog, Zoey, who doesn't seem to mind the extra attention at all.
"When you get a new puppy and she thinks your dog is her mom," the poster writes in the clip. "Besties," she adds in the caption.
We've known for thousands of years that dogs make the best friends ever, at least for humans, but can they bond among each other the way they do with us?
Dr. Paige Adams, a veterinarian with Etowah Veterinary Hospital, explains in a Rover article that just like they do with humans, dogs release oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, when they positively interact with other pups too.
However, oxytocin levels don't rise from initiating interaction but only when their affection is reciprocated by their peers, which means dogs thrive on mutual companionship.
There are several signs that indicate pup love. If you dog enjoys another dog's company, you may notice tail-wagging around them, enthusiastic play, and a general desire to spend time with them.
What sets the basis for a loving relationship between two or more canines in one household, is their introduction.
Introducing a pup to your existing dog is a process that should be done gradually and in a sensitive way. The first encounter should be outside in a neutral space, out on a walk together, allowing them to get used to each other.
Once they look comfortable with each other you can bring your new dog home, giving both dogs separate spaces, toys and food bowls to avoid territorial behaviors.
Don't let them play alone without supervision, until you're sure that they're comfortable spending time together. You can read more about introducing puppies and dogs here.
A stock image shows two French bulldogs bonding under a blanket.
A stock image shows two French bulldogs bonding under a blanket.
getty images
The video quickly went viral on TikTok and it has so far received over 2.6 million views and 619,700 likes on the platform.
One user, Bcandylandgirl, said: "If not mom, why mom shaped?"
Nefariousmoongrass wrote: "My girl dog does this to our boy dog (we call them bf and gf) and I'm concerned she thinks he's her mother."
Cynthia Donoway added: "My hub's staffy thinks my chihuahua is her mom (chi is 9, staffy is 6)."
Newsweek reached out to @inked.life100 for comment via TikTok comments. 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 [e-mail] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.