04-07-2025
How Golden Retriever Likes To Spend 'Summer's Day' Has Internet in Stitches
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
In a viral Instagram video, a dog owner shared her golden retriever's way of enjoying summer days, and internet users can't cope with the hilarious footage.
The clip, shared in April under the username @adriaandoatmeal, shows the pup chilling in the pool with his owner, playing with her a little, before closing his eyes for a relaxing nap on his floatie.
"Oh to be Oatmeal chilling in his pool on a warm summer's day," reads layover text in the clip. A caption says: "A nap in the Oat Boat is top tier."
The poster, 27-year-old Adria Barich, from Petaluma California, told Newsweek that she set up the pool specifically for her 6-year-old pup to hang out all summer long.
Screenshots of the viral video show Oatmeal enjoying a summer day on his floatie in his very own pool.
Screenshots of the viral video show Oatmeal enjoying a summer day on his floatie in his very own pool.
@adriaandoatmeal
Most dogs love the water but not all of them are great swimmers. Breeds such as retrievers and spaniels are usually the most suited for water because they were bred for that purpose, but every dog can become a swimmer.
The American Kennel Club says that you can teach your pup how to swim with a little patience and the use of their favorite toy if needed. The AKC suggest always starting in shallow waters, to minimize risks, allowing your pup to enter the water voluntarily, rather than throwing them in.
If they refuse to go in, throw their toy in the water and ask them to fetch it, approaching the situation like a game. Throw the toy further each time, but be careful not to overwhelm your dog too much on the same day, because this can have the opposite effect.
Regardless of whether or not your dog is an experienced swimmer or a beginner trying to learn, it is important for them to wear a life jacket, especially when out at sea.
The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 2.5 million views and 232,469 likes.
One user, Badgirldust, commented: "Oatmeal living the dream."
Bearatemyhomework said: "Okay Oatmeal, I see you living that 5-star resort life while I'm over here doing zoomies around a sprinkler. Living. The. Dream. I can come over and bring snacky snacks... just sayin'."
Chasingsunshine_pup added: "You've mastered the perfect lifestyle my new fren."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
