Gus has officially reached the age where he believes a single morning meal is more of a suggestion than a rule. Sitting on a kitchen mat in Indianapolis, this Golden Retriever is currently clutching a big blue slow-feeder bowl. His mom and the person behind the handle @the3retrievers captured the exact moment he realized his “starving” act might actually be working. He stares up at his sister with a look of utter desperation. He is clearly trying his hardest to secure a second breakfast.
Golden Retriever uses ‘guilt’ as strategy to get a second breakfast
Gus doesn’t just sit nearby; he takes the “starving artist” routine to a physical level. He stands up with the bowl still clenched between his teeth. Then, when his sister moves, he moves to sit directly on top of her feet. It is a strategic move to ensure she cannot ignore him or his heavy bowl. While a sad, dramatic tune plays, he leans back against her legs. He looks up with a face of total betrayal.
His sister stares back with her hands behind her back. She remains immune to his dramatics for now. His mom, Melanie Joy, filmed the whole thing. At one point, she even zooms in to show his masterfully sad expression. He gets a few forehead scritches, which are nice. However, they aren’t the crunchy reward he’s looking for. His owner joked in the caption, “Can’t you see I’m starving???” Even as the youngest of four Golden siblings, Gus hasn’t quite realized his sister knows his schedule.
Over 24,500 people have already liked the clip. Most viewers are taking Gus’s side in this culinary dispute. One fan mentioned that once a dog sits on your feet, you have to set them a place at the table. Others cheered on his effort. They called him a sweet boy who deserves as many meals as he wants. Despite his best acting, the “guilt” strategy only earned him some affection.
Gus may have failed this time, but his persistence is undeniably adorable. His “starving puppy” act is a classic example of why life (and especially mealtimes) with multiple retrievers is never boring.
