Toddler Chooses Family Dog as Bedtime Comfort Instead of Stuffed Animals
(Robert Kneschke / Shutterstock.com)The dog is on board with the arrangement.
Most toddlers rotate bedtime stuffed animals. One night it’s a teddy bear, the next a floppy bunny, maybe the same crusty dinosaur for three weeks straight. But one little boy has made his pick, and you can’t buy it at Target.
When his mom asks him which stuffie he wants to take to bed, this toddler didn’t reach for the toy basket. He called for “Beau Beau,” the family’s golden retriever. And Beau, for his part, seems fully on board with the arrangement.
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The best part? Bedtime doesn’t end with a quick cuddle. Once the two settle down, the boy spends 10 minutes talking to Beau about his day.
This Bedtime Routine Will Make You Cry
The video starts simple enough. Mom asks the classic nighttime question: “What stuffie do you want to go to bed with?” Instead of pointing at a plush toy, the toddler answers without hesitation. “Beau Beau.”
What follows is exactly what you would hope for. The little boy climbs into bed with his golden retriever, and the two settle in together.
Beau lies there, listening to what his best friend has to say. As one commenter said, “Beau beau is 100% on board with this arrangement.” Another said, “Me at age 37 with the exact same routine as this little man.”
Related: Golden Retriever’s Tender Look at a Dog Rescued From Fighting Will Turn You Into a Puddle
Golden Retrievers and Kids—a Combination That Works
Growing up with a dog can mean more than cuddles. Children learn to recognize an animal’s needs, practice gentleness, and understand that another living being has feelings and boundaries.
Dogs provide companionship during the ups and downs of childhood. Golden retrievers consistently rank among the best family dogs. They show up in many viral family videos for a reason.
Originally bred as working retrievers, goldens have the patience, attentiveness, and willingness to follow cues that make them perfect family pets.
As one commenter put it, “Everybody knows goldens are just stuffies for adults.” Others shared their own stories. One talked about how the family lost the “stuffie” three months ago, and how the little kid now hugs the pajamas the dog used to wear. Another shared how their child was making kissing noises and calling the dog into the room.
Ultimately, when a child chooses a dog as their comfort object, the relationship can last a lifetime.
Related: Sweet Baby Learns to Kiss Golden Retriever and She Just Won’t Stop
This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Oct 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: Nature
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