In a touching video that’s now been viewed more than 14 million times, a dog named Yukon is proving just how deeply dogs can care.
Yukon, who has a hatred for baths, melted hearts when he climbed into the shower to comfort his owner during a difficult moment.
Owner @laurelbakerkang, who goes by Laurel on her profile, shared the clip last week, where it quickly went viral.
It struck a chord with viewers on TikTok, as the text overlay said: “Thinking about when my mental health was at its worst and Yukon (who hates baths with his whole soul) climbed into the tub while I was crying in the shower and made me laugh for the first time in months.”
As the video gained more attention online, people were quick to share their reactions in the comments.
50/50 whether or not he just wanted the strawberry shortcake popsicle I was eating. #cattledog #australiancattledog #blueheeler #sickpet
“He really said girl I don’t wanna be here but I wanna be with you,” said viewer Kelly.
While TikToker theamazingdes said: “Dogs save people.”
Many viewers were clear about how great dogs are, especially for people who are struggling. “We really don’t deserve dogs,” said eer20100, while Mrs.TPerk wrote: “This is why dogs are just angels on earth.”
“The love between a girl and her soul dog is UNMATCHED,” said Rina.
While SpookyBoo noticed something else heartwarming about the moment: “His love for you was stronger than his fear, he was willing to be there for you.”
And maybe the most touching part? Yukon’s ears perk up and his eyes light up as soon as Laurel laughs—a sound she hadn’t made in months.
Although Laurel joked in the caption: “50/50 whether or not he just wanted the strawberry shortcake popsicle I was eating.”
Dogs are known for making us smile, but there is scientific evidence that they help with humans’ mental health in meaningful and measurable ways. Studies supported by organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that interacting with dogs can reduce levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, and lower blood pressure, which contributes to a calmer, more relaxed state.
Therapy dogs have also been shown to ease anxiety in hospital patients, children with developmental conditions like ADHD and autism, and individuals coping with trauma or chronic illness. While dogs also provide a source of unconditional companionship and emotional support, which can alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression.
While some dogs love water, there are many like Yukon who aren’t fans. There are a variety of reasons dogs might not like water. Some breeds are genetically less inclined to enjoy water, like pugs, French bulldogs and dachshunds who often have physical features such as short snouts or elongated bodies that make swimming difficult or uncomfortable. While others may have had frightening or unpleasant experiences with water, or dislike the unknown element of a body of water.
In 2023 another pup went viral because she dislikes water so much that she shut off the tap herself. Another dog who usually hates getting her paws wet melted hearts when she braved floodwaters in the U.K. to rescue her favorite toys from the backyard.
While another pair of dogs gained viral attention when their owner revealed the difference between the pups that like water and those that don’t. While Monty loves to run around in the rain, Sam hates getting wet, avoiding the water at all costs.
Newsweek reached out to @laurelbakerkang via TikTok for comment.
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