They say the best things in life are free, and sometimes, that means playing in the leaves during fall with your dog, as seen in a heartwarming clip that quickly went viral on TikTok.
The video, captured by a driver (@greygondella), shows a senior man and his best friend, who appears to be a border collie, embracing fall. The caption says the female driver “pulled up to this adorable scene at a stoplight,” showing the man throwing fall leaves while his dog jumps to catch them. As of now, the November 11 video has gathered more than 891,000 views and over 216,000 likes.
It has left a lasting impression on viewers, with one calling it “a perfect moment.”
Another user commented, “They love each other so very clearly and abundantly,” while a third posted: “My girl does this too! My dog has genuinely saved my mental health post-election. There are still small reasons to keep going.”
Research has shown that dogs can improve our mental health, but what about theirs?
Renee Rhoades, a canine behaviorist at R+Dogs, told Newsweek that one simple activity can always boost a dog’s mood.
“Providing opportunities for your dog to sniff is the most important aspect of going out on a walk with them,” Rhoades said. “It’s commonly thought that just walking a dog provides enough physical stimulation, but dogs experience the world through their nose, and their bodies are biologically fulfilled through the act of sniffing.”
Rhoades added that canines should be given a chance to sniff daily: “There are no set parameters on how much a dog should sniff, so engaging your dog’s nose as much as possible throughout the day is bound to improve their mental health.”
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The touching video has undoubtedly benefited both the owner and the dog. It’s likely the canine is enjoying all the scents from the fall leaves, but owners should be cautious about allowing their animals to eat them.
The American Kennel Club says that, while leaves are high in fiber, they don’t offer much nutrition. If your pup enjoys the texture, consider adding dog-friendly herbs and veggies like carrots, peas, and celery instead. Leaves can cause vomiting, especially if the canine has an upset stomach, and large amounts may lead to blockages, particularly in puppies.
Additionally, eating leaves during walks can expose dogs to harmful chemicals or toxic plants. Certain trees, such as black walnuts and Japanese yews, can be dangerous to canines. To curb leaf-eating, monitor your dog during outdoor activities; redirect their attention with commands or toys; and offer alternatives like chewing sticks or puzzle toys to keep them engaged.
Newsweek reached out to @greygondella for comment via TikTok. 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 life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
