There’s nothing like the first week back to work after the holidays, unless you’re a Bulldog who just found out the all-day-snack-and-cuddle festival has been canceled.

In this TikTok gem, a woman stands in front of a couch absolutely packed with Bulldogs. Six of them. Six. Wrinkly, chunky, suspicious little potatoes in dog form, all staring at her like a committee.

She sighs and delivers the most relatable New Year’s speech ever.

She goes down the line, addressing each Bulldog individually, practically pleading with them to behave. One looks mildly offended. One looks like he’s already planning a coup. And one is very clearly not OK with any of this and would like to speak to management.

You can feel the guilt and the love in the room. She doesn’t just toss off a “bye” and slam the door. She knows they’ve gotten used to having their person home 24/7 through the holidays—extra walks, extra snacks, extra naps with a human pillow—and now she has to reset the routine for everyone.

It captures that exact moment so many dog parents know all too well. You, standing at the door, work bag in hand, trying to convince your dog (and yourself) that everything is going to be OK.

Helping Your Dog Adjust When You Go Back to Work

This hilarious Bulldog pep talk is cute, but it also points to something real: going from “human home all day” to “alone again” can be tough on dogs. Animal welfare groups suggest:

• Ease back into routine a few days before returning to work—get up, get dressed, and step out for short periods so your dog can re-learn that you always come back. NASC LIVE

• Give them something to do while you’re gone, like a puzzle feeder, stuffed Kong, or safe chew, so alone time feels more like “treat time.” American Kennel Club

• Keep departures and arrivals calm, not emotional events. Quiet goodbyes and low-key hellos help prevent anxiety. RSPCA Australia+1

For a deeper, super practical guide on leaving your dog home alone without all the guilt, this Animal Humane Society resource is a great read: “Leaving your dog home alone (a guilt-free guide).”

In the meantime, talk to your own “couch committee” like this Bulldog mom. They might still judge you—but at least they’ll know you tried.

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This story was originally published by PawNation on Jan 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add PawNation as a Preferred Source by clicking here.