A friendship between a 3-year-old and beloved St. Bernard puppy has melted hearts on the internet.
Mom Beth Richardson (@teddy_the_saintbernard) posted a reel on Instagram with moments from Teddy’s first year, where the 140-pound “nanny dog” is shown growing up alongside her daughter Runa.
Richardson, 34, who shares 8-year-old Lillah and 3-year-old Runa with husband James Richardson, 31, told Newsweek her love for big dog breeds started when she watched Beethoven as a child.
“We also grew up with Great Danes who are also supersized and my adoration for giant dogs just didn’t end,” she said.
Though she once had a rescue chihuahua in her 20s, life with two young children felt like the right moment to bring a gentle giant into their home.
“After searching for a while, we found Teddy—and it just felt meant to be,” Beth said.
When Teddy joined the family, Runa had just turned two. Since then, the two have grown up together—and grown into best friends.
“She’s really never known life without him,” Beth told Newsweek. “At first, Runa was completely besotted with Teddy—maybe a little obsessed! Now, she’s learned to watch out for his big paws and to brace herself when he has the zoomies.”
The two do everything together: brushing, feeding, playing. If Runa’s doing something, Teddy’s usually a part of it—even if he’s just in the way.
As a giant ball of “floof,” Beth told Newsweek that he has little spatial awareness. “[He] crushes our feet every day, I think he thinks he is the size of a ‘normal’ dog. But we honestly wouldn’t have him any other way. He loves strokes and belly rubs, and he loves having his ears stroked best,” she said.
Beth’s reel has clocked up a million views and over 73,000 likes. Dozens of Instagram users found the bond between Runa and Teddy adorable, flooding the comments section with heart emojis.
Beth told Newsweek her goal is to bring a dose of reality to social media. She also hopes the video helps change perceptions about large breeds.
“Just because Teddy is a giant dog, it doesn’t mean he’s more difficult or dangerous,” she said. “As a mom, it’s been wonderful to see them grow together. Knowing that Runa’s earliest memories will include Teddy as her first dog feels really special.”
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