Pet owners often joke that their dogs are “free therapists,” but there’s some truth to it. Sharing a bed or couch with a pup has been linked to better sleep quality, reduced anxiety, and an overall sense of security. And then there’s the simple joy of a cold nose and floppy ears greeting you in the morning. One Golden Retriever has captured this feeling so well in a viral video that thousands of strangers now feel like they’ve woken up right beside him.
Dog owner shares precious video of morning snuggles with ‘squishy’ Golden Retriever
Zebby, a Golden Retriever puppy from Los Angeles, has built quite a following online, with more than 181K Instagram fans keeping up with his daily life. Recently, he stole even more hearts when his owner posted a video capturing their morning cuddle routine. In the clip, Zebby is nestled in bed beside his owner while she gently pets his paw. True to his loving nature, the Golden pup licks her hand back in the sweetest exchange.
What makes the video especially endearing is Zebby’s face. With soft folds, expressive eyes, and slightly crimped ears, he’s earned the nickname “squishy” from his family. His features give him a perpetually cuddly appearance. And combined with his relaxed demeanor, it’s easy to see why people are calling him the ultimate snuggle buddy. The onscreen caption reads: “POV: You have a squishy golden retriever.” Clearly, that’s an experience many dog lovers dream about.
The reel has already received more than 501K likes and continues to climb. Fans couldn’t get enough of the puppy’s sleepy cuddles. One person wrote, “Awwww I want to hug him so baddd,” while another joked, “Why is this reel 2 hours long?” suggesting they could happily watch Zebby snuggle on repeat. Others chimed in with their own experiences, like one user who said, “I have a smushy golden too. They’re the best.” Another went as far as to nickname Zebby a “squishmallow,” comparing him to the popular line of soft plush toys.
