A senior Labrador retriever named Athena has captured hearts among social-media users with a unique mealtime routine that is as adorable as it is unusual.
In a viral TikTok video, shared in July by user @athena.tina8, the pup is filmed enjoying her breakfast in a quiet corner of the kitchen like most other pups do, but what has caught internet viewers' attention is what she does while eating.
After every single bite of her kibble, Athena lifts her head up to look at her owner and then wiggles her tail at her, as if trying to communicate how grateful she is.
"After every bite, she looks at me and wags her tail," the poster says in the clip. "Have you ever seen a dog do this before? I honestly believe she is saying 'thank you for my breakfast mum!' It melts my heart to the core!!" she adds in the caption.
The clip quickly went viral on social media, receiving over 252,400 views and more than 45,400 likes on the platform, and most users believed this was the pup's way to express how grateful she is for everything she ha.
One user, Lily, commented: "She's a thankful old baby."
Carmilla posted: "I got everything I've ever wanted! Mum and food! I'm such a lucky dog!"
Dogs know how to show us love and make us feel special, but are they also aware that we love them back? What is the best way to show them love?
In a previous article, Newsweek explained that, while dogs and cats show love through behaviors like tail wags or following their humans around, pet owners can express affection in meaningful, nonverbal ways.
Spending quality time together is key; playing, walking, training, cuddling, or even exercising together strengthens the bond. Paying attention and providing companionship are what pets value most.
Physical gestures such as hugs and kisses may be appreciated by some dogs, but most cats dislike them.
Ultimately, the best way to show your pet you love them is to keep them happy and healthy, with regular vet visits and vaccinations, and by providing high-quality, species-appropriate food.
Newsweek reached out to @athena.tina8 for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case.
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