If you’ve ever had to explain away a bad haircut to your child, you’ll relate to this social media video that crossed my feed of a Golden Retriever giving his humans the cold shoulder after a trip to the groomer. Zebby, the Golden, clearly feels betrayed by his recent clean up and wants to let his humans know he’s unhappy.  It’s a totally relatable moment that every parent (of humans and pets) can relate to.

Charmingly captioned, “I trusted you people,” Zebby can be seen seeking cover in the back seat of his human’s car.  The aloof pup is doing his best to let his humans know he’s not happy about his recent trip to the groomer, avoiding eye contact and giving mom and dad the cold shoulder. I didn’t know dogs could scowl, but Zebby’s stink eye proves me wrong.

When A Grooming Appointment Feels Like a Betrayal

Every parent knows Zebby’s disdain and clear sense of betrayal.  Chances are he’ll get over it when he realizes he looks adorable.

Viewers were equally charmed by Zebby’s post-grooming standoff.  One wrote, “He said mom no I did not want to be handsome today.”  Another added, “That baby needs a pup cup.”

Whether Zebby realizes it or not, the precious pooch does look gorgeous.  Commenters concur.

“He looks so snuggly right now,” gushed one viewer.

One commenter added, “I love his fluffy face.”

Another dog parent understands all too well writing, “Only love can hurt like this.”

One other noted, “such a softie 💖 and I bet he smelled so good.”

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pA8zhNUwZfY

Zebby may seem like the diva of all Golden Retrievers but as most pup parents well know, not all pooches appreciate a spa day as much as humans do. Many dogs find trips to the groomer filled with sensory overload.  As a breed, Golden Retrievers can get separation anxiety, so all those new people attending to your pup may not feel as good to the dog as one might think.

To ease the stress, try introducing grooming tools at home and take your pup to the same groomer whenever possible, once you’ve found one you know is trustworthy and careful with your precious pooch.

Chances are Zebby won’t give mom and dad the cold shoulder for too long, but even giving the silent treatment what’s cuter than a freshly groomed dog?

Related: Zebby the Golden Retriever Savors a Head Massage and the Internet is ‘Literally Melting’

This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Jan 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.