A grandmother, no stranger to pet ownership, has lived in a home with a doggy door for the last 25 years, but for the first time, she's found an unsuspecting thing "sneaking in" her home.
Deena Gose, who is known on TikTok as @user437636198, shared that the small pet entrance, installed around 25 years ago for her dogs, had always served a simple purpose: letting her pets move freely between inside and outside the home. This time, however, both dogs were inside and commotion began brewing outside. They observed an "intruder" using the entryway.
In an April 8 TikTok video, Gose began filming the shadow she noticed right outside the doggy door. Tiny fingers tried pulling at the flap. Slowly, the intruder snuck inside, revealing their true identity. It was her granddaughter.
"I noticed her trying to get out, so I just stood back and watched," Gose told Newsweek via TikTok. "Then my dogs got interested. She went out and it made me nervous. It was cold, so she stood up and looked around and wanted right back in.”
Gose said it was the first time her granddaughter tried using the doggy door, but she's not too surprised. Children are like sponges, observing everything around them, and with her granddaughter's close relationship with the dogs, she picked up on the habit of using the doggy door.
Her granddaughter has an especially close relationship with Gose's dog, Stance. Gose said she has shared other videos of her dog helping her granddaughter walk or stopping her from falling down the stairs.
"He really is an amazing dog," she said. "Stance was actually a 16th birthday present to her Dad. I swear, Stance knows she belongs to him. Stance is amazing with our other five grandkids, but she holds a special place in his heart, and he is very protective of her."
The moment left TikTok users in stitches, with the clip reaching over 557,000 views and 8,200 likes as of Friday.
"Oh my gosh, I saw the little fingers at the beginning and thought it was a possum," wrote a viewer.
Another added: "The dog: She followed me home, I swear."
A third person joked: "I hope this ones potty trained."
For Gose, what began as a simple convenience for her dogs turned into a family memory she says she never could have predicted when the doggy door was first installed a quarter century ago.
A Special Bond: How Pets Shape Children’s Social and Emotional Growth
Children’s relationships with pets can have a profound impact on their emotional and social development. An article from Psych Central highlights that growing up with a pet can significantly improve emotional regulation, empathy and social skills in young children. Pets serve as reliable companions who offer unconditional love and support, which can help children manage stress and anxiety.
In fact, research has shown that children with pets often develop stronger coping skills and are better equipped to handle challenging emotions like sadness or frustration. The bond with pets helps foster a sense of responsibility and boosts confidence, as children learn to care for and interact with their furry friends.
Deena Gose’s granddaughter exemplifies how a close connection with a pet can shape behavior and emotional growth. Her bond with the family dog, Stance, has helped her navigate new experiences and build a sense of security. The recent moment when she discovered the doggy door—mimicking the dog’s actions—highlights how observant and adaptable children can be, especially when they feel a deep sense of trust and comfort from animals. This behavior shows just how important pets can be in fostering both emotional and social development in children.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.