Sometimes, all a hesitant dog needs is a little confidence boost — and maybe a brightly colored safety device — to unleash their inner water dog. This wonderful clip showcases Tommy, a happy Staffy, who got a brand new lease on his water obsession the moment he wore his life jacket. In a video posted on his Instagram handle @tommybluestaff you get to witness unadulterated joy as Tommy dives into the pool again and again, aided and buoyed by his life jacket.
Staffy enjoys pool time to the fullest after owners get him a life jacket
They say some dogs go viral for their tricks, but Tommy earned his fame for one thing (well, two things if you count his loving relationship with his baby sister): living his absolute best life in the water. Over 18,900 people have liked the video, and it’s easy to see why. His dad gently carries him to the edge of the pool by the life jacket handle.
It’s a calm start to what turns into a full-on pool party. Tommy doesn’t waste any time when his paws hit the ground. He jumps right in and paddles like he’s been doing this for a long time.
However, it wasn’t always like this. The pet parent wrote in the caption, “You’d never catch this guy jumping into a pool on his own. But with his life jacket on? Try and stop him.” Now he looks like a champion, swimming confidently before reaching the shallow-end bench.
Underwater shots show his tiny feet working overtime, while above the water, he’s all smiles and wiggles. With each jump, you can see his confidence growing, his little Staffy grin saying, “Look at me now, world!” At one point, his dad joins in, and the two swim side by side like Olympic teammates.
The video ends with a sweet shot of his dad lifting him out by the life jacket’s handle — which one commenter humorously referred to as like lifting “a little briefcase!”— where Tommy immediately grabs his favorite toy, ready for more fun.
