Sometimes, pets turn out to be the very best playmates for kids. Case in point: this GoldenRetriever, who has happily accepted a new role during playtime. As a little girl plays quietly with her toys in the background, the dog lies on his back, fully relaxed, serving as an unbothered shelf for a duck racetrack toy.
The small yellow ducks sort of zoom down the track, resting on the pup’s belly, and he doesn’t flinch or fuss. Instead, he looks completely blissed out, as if this setup is exactly where he wants to be. The moment feels calm, safe, and unintentionally hilarious—a perfect example of how naturally some dogs fit into family life.
I love how, in this TikTok clip from @squishmama2, the other dog has his tail totally wagging the entire time! One thing viewers were quick to notice was how comfortable the Golden Retriever seemed, even with all the activity happening around him. One person said, “Now that is one totally relaxed pupper!”
Related: Golden Retriever Gently Waking Up His Human Siblings Is the Sweetest Alarm
Someone else noticed, “The fact that you can see that his tail is wagging, too.” Someone else responded, “Goldens really just let you do whatever with them.” You can just tell this sweet dog probably spends a lot of time being involved in the kids’ games!
A pooch who understands that playtime doesn’t always mean chaos. Sometimes it just means being nearby, offering warmth, patience, and a steady presence, even if that means becoming part of the toy setup for a few minutes.
Why Kids Need To Grow up With Pets
Growing up with pets can offer children valuable lessons in empathy, patience, and responsibility. Daily interactions help kids learn how to read body language, respect boundaries, and understand the needs of another living being.
Pets also provide emotional comfort and stability, especially during quiet moments of play or rest. For many children, animals become trusted companions, offering reassurance, consistency, and unconditional acceptance that can shape emotional development in lasting ways.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Jan 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.