Being one of the big dogs, Doberman Pinschers have this “tough guy” reputation that makes people stay away from them. But an adorable canine named Cowboy is busy proving everyone wrong in @honkifyoulovemydog’s adorable video on Instagram, showing that this world is nothing but a place for him and his BFF to stay together. And his “BFF” is his giant, multi-colored squeaky stuffed caterpillar toy, which he takes absolutely everywhere.
Dog has a caterpillar soft toy that he uses as emotional support
The video by @honkifyoulovemydog shows the Doberman Pinscher trotting through the house, hanging out in the yard, and even taking naps with his BFF. And as the caption under the video says, it is “Just a boy and his bff.” Clearly, it is just the two of them against the world, because the video patches multiple clips of the dog spending time with the stuffed toy.
Experts refer to dogs forming this kind of bond with their stuffed toy as a “self-soothing behavior.” Dobermans are a notoriously sensitive breed that forms deep bonds with their people — so when they get excited or feel overwhelmed, carrying something soft in their mouths helps them self-soothe and stay calm. It is basically like a toddler’s security blanket, but for dogs.
Meanwhile, the internet is completely obsessed with Cowboy and his BFF, as one viewer pointed out, “A fierce guard doberman needs his emotional support caterpillar. You’re a good dog Cowboy!” and another viewer thanked Cowboy for “shattering” their previous perception of Dobermans being “monolithic.” A third user added, “He uses his emotional support caterpillar to deal with his big feelings.”
Many others called Cowboy their “emotional support,” crediting him for making their day better — and with that face and those eyes, who can disagree? Let’s be honest, we could all use a support “BFF” caterpillar as great as this dog’s, because, as a viewer said, “Everyone needs a best friend.”
