As dogs grow older, their needs change in the same way ours do. They slow down, rest more often, and rely on their humans for a little extra help navigating everyday life. It’s a quiet shift that many pet parents know well, when the playful energy of youth gives way to the tenderness of old age. A recent video, now going viral, captures one of these moments with a sweet senior dog named Jake, who found a charming way of asking for assistance.
Senior dog, who doesn’t bark, does the ‘yoink’ for owners’ assistance
Jake, an 18-year-old Golden Retriever, doesn’t bark anymore. So, when he finds himself stuck and unable to get up from a nap or awkward position, he gets his owners’ attention most adorably. He taps his front paw against the ground, a move his family has come to call the “yoink.”
Most days, Jake is more than capable of managing on his own. He enjoys lounging in the yard, especially when the sun is out. However, every so often, his legs don’t cooperate, and he gets stuck. That’s what happened in the video, which his owner happened to catch on camera while filming him sunbathing. In the clip, Jake can be seen sitting peacefully before letting out his “yoink,” which prompted his owner to step in and give him a little lift from behind.
The short video touched a nerve for many, especially those who’ve had senior dogs of their own. In the comments, viewers are sharing their love for Jake and his family. One person exclaimed, “So sweet! Glad he has such a lovely family to help him!” Another added, “He looks like a well-loved teddy bear,” while one heartfelt comment read, “I’m not sure if there is anything more beautiful than an elderly dog.”
Caring for a senior dog like Jake means adapting to their changing needs. Regular vet checkups become more important, as do softer beds, joint supplements, and a bit more patience. Gentle exercise, like short walks or slow stretches in the yard, can also help keep their bodies moving.
Most importantly, learn to spot the subtle ways they communicate. Whether it’s a paw tap, a glance, or a small shift in behavior, senior pets have their own language, and listening to it makes all the difference.
