Man Tries To Relax on Lake Float—but He Has Two Golden Retrievers

Newsweek

6 days ago

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With golden retrievers, relaxation can be an elusive thing. That didn't stop one man online from trying, though.
His afternoon enjoying a peaceful float on a lake was hilariously interrupted by his two devoted goldens, whose unwavering loyalty—and perhaps a touch of "fear of missing out"—prompted an impromptu "rescue" mission. The adorable scene, captured in a viral TikTok video, has gone viral with over 2.7 million views.
"'Spotted: Dad alone. On float. Without us. He looks like he needs us. Does he even have snacks? We must go rescue,'" the creator captioned the video, imagining the dogs' inner dialogue. "'Emotional support en route. Target acquired … Backup has arrived … no man left behind. No raft left afloat.'"
One by one, the dogs plunged into the water, swimming toward their owner. The first golden retriever reached the inflatable and clambered aboard with a splash, followed shortly by its equally determined sibling. The result? A deflating inflatable and a man now submerged under the weight of two very loving, but heavy, golden retrievers.
The creator's page says the goldens, named Whaler and Flapjack, adore swimming. "If there's water, we're in it," the profile reads.
Internet viewers quickly fell in love with the dogs' earnest, if misguided, heroism in the video. TikTok users flooded the comments with laughter and relatable stories.
"'Dad looks like he's resting peacefully! Must change that!'" one commenter added.
"Lovely," another wrote. "How could anyone beat the love these guys have for their human?"
Stock image: A tan-colored dog swims in a lake.
Stock image: A tan-colored dog swims in a lake.
Nataba/Getty Images
Many viewers found humor in the dogs' single-minded focus on their owner—even at the expense of his relaxation: "Dad probably been out there since morning coffee trying to get some … peaceful sunlight," one person posted.
The canines' approach to the "rescue" was also a source of amusement. "The funniest part was the first mud trail. Golden one has a visual on the target and has engaged. Golden two sweeping in for clean-up," a commenter said.
Some viewers offered practical advice, suggesting ways to ensure the dogs' safety during their water adventures.
"You should get them life jackets," one wrote. "I had one and it made my parents feel so much better and I got to swim for longer!"
These golden retrievers, known for their friendly and loyal nature, seem to fully embody the spirit of "no man left behind"—even if it means sacrificing their human's peaceful float.
Newsweek reached out to @whaler.and.flapjack for comment via TikTok.