One mom had a delightful surprise the morning after a fun outdoor slumber party with her kids. Carrie, known on Instagram as @carmichael.farm, had set up a tent for the family to “camp” out in the yard. Meanwhile, their golden retriever, who usually cuddles by Carrie’s bed, decided to take on the role of guardian instead.
In her Instagram video shared on September 5, she captured the moment when she discovered her pup sleeping right next to the tent. “She slept right next to the tent where I was sleeping,” Carrie shared, highlighting the dog’s loyalty even while they camped outside.
When Carrie called for her dog the next morning, the furry guardian perked up instantly, wagging her tail with relief that everyone was safe. This behavior isn’t unusual for dogs, as they are pack animals by nature. According to a blog by Hepper, dogs often sleep close to their owners out of instinct, seeking warmth and safety as they protect their ‘pack.’
However, it’s important to note that if a dog is overly anxious about being separated from its owner, it could indicate separation anxiety—a condition that should be addressed for the dog’s well-being.
The heartwarming video quickly gained traction, amassing over a million views and comments that melted viewers’ hearts. One user chimed in, “This is TOO precious! She said, ‘I’ll stay on watch, Mom,'” while another remarked, “That baby was protecting her family.”
Many others shared their experiences of dogs wanting to sleep outside, with one user mentioning, “I go camping all the time, and my dog refuses to sleep inside the tent… likes to protect… so I set up his sleeping bag right outside.”