Family holidays often reinforce the household hierarchy, especially during long car rides. Zarah from @dukethatgolden captured this perfectly in a recent TikTok video. She films herself from the back seat and immediately starts laughing at what she’s witnessing unfold up front. The in-video text sets the scene — “Home for the holidays & this is my Golden Retriever w/ my dad…” — and that’s all the context you really need.
This video quietly confirms what the family already knows: Duke isn’t just a passenger. He’s the favorite. And yes, this Golden Retriever is absolutely riding shotgun.
Owner proves Golden Retriever is the ‘favorite grandchild’ in video
As the video starts, the camera cuts forward to reveal Duke sitting in the front passenger seat, arm casually resting on the armrest, while Grandpa drives with one hand and holds Duke’s paw with the other. It’s a sweet, affectionate moment that feels completely natural to them. Grandpa pats Duke’s arm, gently play-wrestles his snout, and keeps driving like this is the most normal arrangement in the world. Duke, for his part, looks perfectly settled, soaking it all in like he belongs there.
At one point, Zarah flips the camera back to herself. The text reads, “Me in the back.” She’s smiling, still laughing, clearly processing the realization that she has been demoted. When the camera returns to Duke, he glances over his shoulder at her — not inviting, just checking, as if to say, you’re still here, right? Good.
What makes it even funnier is that in another car ride, Duke refused to leave his mom’s side. This time, though, Grandpa’s presence changes the hierarchy entirely. It’s a reminder of something Golden Retriever parents already know: loyalty runs deep, but affection has layers.
With over 14,000 likes, viewers are fully on Duke’s side. Comments joke about favorite children, backseat relegation, and the unmistakable truth that this is Duke’s world — everyone else is just along for the ride.
