I wasn’t planning to lose it over a dog eating fruit this morning, but the internet has a way of humbling you, doesn’t it? I was halfway through my coffee when I saw it—a video of a Golden Retriever, quietly minding his own business, absolutely demolishing a slice of watermelon. And not just eating it. Living for it.
The real kicker? His cheeks. Puffy, squishy, ridiculous cheeks full of watermelon. It stopped me mid-sip. I just stared, grinning like an idiot.
It’s the Kind of Video That Makes You Feel Something
You know those days where everything feels like a bit too much? That was me. Deadlines piling up, inbox overflowing, and somehow I still hadn’t remembered to water the plant in the corner that’s now more brown than green.
And then this dog video shows up—30 seconds of a happy Golden Retriever biting into summer like it’s the best day of his life. No stress. No bills. Just cheeks full of melon and not a care in the world.
I watched it three times. Maybe five. Honestly? It helped more than the coffee did.
That Golden Retriever? He Gets It.
There’s a moment, right as he takes his second bite, where his face literally jiggles. I’m not even exaggerating—his whole face puffs up, eyes half-closed in this expression that just screams pure contentment. He’s not posing for the camera. He’s not doing tricks. He’s just… happy.
And I swear, that one video did more for my mental health than most self-help books I’ve read.
So I Tried It With My Dog. Naturally.
Look, I’m not made of stone. I have a dog. Her name’s Piper. She’s a rescue, part Golden, part tornado, and has the appetite of a linebacker. So obviously, I had to find out: would she do the cheek puff thing?
I grabbed a slice of watermelon, scooped out the seeds, cut off the rind, and offered her a piece.
She looked at it. Looked at me. Back at the watermelon. Licked it. Gave it a tentative nibble. And then?
Gone.
One chomp. No cheek puff. No slow-motion joy. Just devoured. She even licked the floor afterward like she was checking for leftovers. I won’t lie, I was kind of hoping for a golden moment. Instead, I got crumbs and a sticky paw print on the couch.
Still worth it.
Let’s Talk Watermelon: Safe for Dogs?
Okay, serious pet-parent talk for a sec. I did double-check before giving Piper her first taste. Watermelon is safe for dogs—in moderation. Just follow the basic rules:
- No seeds: Those little guys can mess with digestion.
- No rind: Dogs can’t process it well.
- Keep it to a few chunks: It’s a treat, not a meal.
That juicy pink part though? Totally okay. And apparently, totally delicious.
What’s So Great About These Moments Anyway?
I think that’s the thing that hit me. It wasn’t just a dog eating fruit. It was a dog fully existing. He wasn’t trying to be funny. He wasn’t performing. He was just doing his thing, and in that moment, it was impossible to feel cynical.
There’s something magic about the way dogs find joy in tiny things. A walk. A belly rub. A slice of fruit. They don’t hold onto stress. They don’t care about looking silly. They just feel—and they do it openly.
And man, I think we all need more of that.
That Video Wasn’t Just Cute. It Was a Reminder.
It reminded me that there are still sweet, uncomplicated things in the world. That even when everything feels chaotic, there are dogs with watermelon cheeks out there, just being happy.
I didn’t expect a Golden Retriever to become my emotional support watermelon ambassador this week, but here we are.
The Takeaway? Go Get Some Watermelon.
Honestly, do it. For yourself. For your dog. For the absolute silliness of sharing a fruit snack with a creature who thinks a squeaky toy is the height of luxury.
Slice it up, chill it a bit, cut off the rind, remove the seeds, and just see what happens. Best case? You get a moment like that video—cheeks and all. Worst case? You’ve got a sticky floor and a very happy dog.
And really, is that so bad?
Conclusion
That video wasn’t polished. It wasn’t viral for any gimmick. It was just a dog, a fruit, and a perfect, messy little moment. And maybe that’s what made it stick.
So here’s to more of those—more messy cheeks, more dog smiles, more joy that doesn’t ask for attention but somehow gets it anyway.
Because sometimes, the softest, squishiest cheeks make the loudest impact.
FAQs
Be real with me… can dogs even eat watermelon?
Yep. I’ve given it to my dog plenty of times. Just the soft, juicy inside—none of the seeds or that tough outer skin. She gets a few little chunks when I’m cutting mine up. Honestly, she goes wild for it, especially if it’s cold.
You give it to her often, or just once in a while?
Not like a regular thing. Maybe once a week? It depends on whether we’ve got some at home. If I eat it and she gives me that look, I’ll toss her a piece or two. It’s more of a summer treat, not something I plan for.
My dog freaks out when I pull out a watermelon. Is that just mine?
Nope, that’s pretty common. Mine hears the knife hit the cutting board, and she’s already in the kitchen, tail going nuts. It’s sweet, juicy, and cold—everything they love in one bite.
Uh… my dog ate some rind before I could stop her. Should I worry?
Been there. Mine snatched a chunk that had the rind still on it. She was fine—a little gassy later, but nothing serious. Still, now I always make sure to cut it up better. The rind’s tough to digest, so I try not to let it happen again.
Besides watermelon, what other fruits do dogs like?
I’m a big fan of frozen banana slices. Also, apples—no seeds—and a few blueberries here and there. She’s picky about strawberries, weirdly. I treat fruit like bonus treats… not every day, but she gets excited when I pull some out.
