Golden Retriever Who 'Thinks He's Being Included' by the Other Dogs Is Breaking Our Hearts
My Pug mix can be a bit socially awkward. He's clumsy and has no sense of personal space, attributes that I find totally adorable. Still, other dogs sense his insecurities and tend to either try to intimidate him or give him the cold shoulder despite his efforts to be one of the gang. Thankfully, his older Doxie sister always has his back and is his full-time BFF.
Sailor the Golden Retriever seems to have the same desire to fit in and is so tender-hearted that he doesn't even realize when he's being pushed out of the crowd.
@sailorthenycgolden He just bunny hops around them #nycdogs#goldenretriever#dogsoftiktok#fyp#cutedog
original sound - Vids - Aesira
In the TikTok from @sailorthenycgolden, the canine cutie was at a local dog park with several other dogs of various breeds. Sailor kept trying to infiltrate a group of three playful pooches who seemed busy with their own sort of roughhousing game.
As the canine trio jumped on each other and scurried around, Sailor hopped around on the periphery of the circle, attempting to join in. Whether the three dogs were purposely keeping him out of the game or just didn't notice he couldn't get a paw in was unclear.
Even when the threesome ran in a different area, Sailor followed them with total enthusiasm. The gorgeous Golden was under the impression that he was a part of the game, making the scene even more heartbreaking.
"My sweet boy always wants to play and thinks he's being included but he's not," the onscreen text shared, with the caption adding, "He just bunny hops around them."
Followers fell in love with Sailor's sweet spirit and empathized with being excluded.
"He just needs to find HIS true friends," one remarked.
"Oh bless him. He is gorgeous. My dog would play with him," another raved.
"I've felt like him my whole life - please hug him tonight," a follower posted.
"I hope after this, you gave him the BIGGEST cuddles ever," someone commented.
How Golden Retrievers Socialize
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and loving personalities. They thrive in social settings and love to play with people and other dogs.
Related: Golden Retriever Banished to Bedroom Has Uncontrollable Need To ‘Supervise' Maintenance Man
Socializing your Golden Retriever early on through exposure to public places, other people, and canines helps them gain confidence and learn proper social etiquette. Goldens build relationships with furry friends through playdates and walks, or by just hanging out together.
With his friendly spirit and gentle heart, Sailor is sure to find plenty of fur baby friends of his own.
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This story was originally published May 10, 2026 at 7:10 PM.