Golden Retrievers don’t ask for much. Give them a walk, a familiar route, and a favorite toy, and they’re set. Most days it all runs on routine, the kind you barely notice until something changes.
This family from California noticed it on a normal outing when their dog slowed at one spot and started searching. He circled the grass, checked along the curb, and pawed through leaves with quiet focus.
They tried to move him along, but he kept drifting back, like he’d left something behind. The habit stuck, even on different days and in different weather.
Weeks later, he was still returning to that same place, looking for something that he had seen on one of his previous adventures.
What Is He Looking For?
It was an ordinary day in the yard for Laura Krivisky and her Golden Retriever, Bruce, when she noticed that her pup was getting distracted.
She realized what was going on shortly after. He was looking for a ball he lost a few weeks ago. Every time she lets him into the yard, he goes looking for it.
It’s the first thing he does. The problem is he doesn’t realize that the ball is likely gone and he will never get it back. His owner finds this puzzling.
Laura noted that he has so many other balls and toys, but there is something special about this one that warrants this many searches.
It’s just possible that Bruce doesn’t want to leave anything behind. As for the lost ball, Laura stated that the dog accidentally dropped it from the balcony and into a plant, but nobody could find it.
And now, this is the routine that she is stuck with. It’s a bit sad to see how hopeful he gets when searching for the ball. He even looks back at his owner, as if he’s asking her to do something.
In a situation like this, the best option might just be to find the same ball, buy it, and secretly place it in the yard. It will likely resolve this issue.
Instagram Reactions
After going through this multiple times, the owner from California thought it would be interesting to record her dog while he was in the search.
She posted the clip on her Instagram page, and after the clip went viral, so many people felt bad for the pup, so they shared their thoughts in the comments.
One person commented: “I just don’t think you’ve tried hard enough for him. Put the phone down and find his ball!!!!!!”
Yeah, or just do what I suggested. Buy the new ball and then hide it there so that he can find it. That will fix the problem.
Another person said: “Ummm…. Buy a new ball and put it there for him to find.”
I see that great minds think alike. No, but seriously, this is the solution and I am glad that I am not the only one who thought of this. If this routine continues, then that’s the answer.
Lastly, somebody commented: “Why don’t you try sticking a broom stick through the bushes and maybe it fall out from where it is stuck.”
My assumption is that Laura already looked there, but the ball was just nowhere to be found. It’s hard to say what happened to it, but it’s likely gone forever.
Hopefully, Laura will fix this problem soon. Until that happens, she’ll have to keep doing this funny routine with her dog every time he goes out in the yard.
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