Rescue Dog Thinks He’s the Baby’s Dad, Only to Accidentally Scare the Little One Into Hiding

A rescue dog has seemingly decided that a baby foster puppy needs a dad, and he is more than willing to take on the job. Cactus wastes no time investigating the pup and eagerly welcomes the chance to meet him outside his crate. The only problem is that his excitement is a little overwhelming for the baby. The puppy eventually hides under the bed while Cactus attempts to settle down beside him.

Rescue dog steps up to care for a little baby pup, thinking he’s the dad

Cactus, a rescue dog featured on the @cactustherescue account, appears to have taken it upon himself to look after a tiny foster puppy named Cowboy. A video shared by Mike Brown on Instagram captures the dog’s eagerness to meet the puppy and his attempts to stay close to him, even after his enthusiasm briefly sends the little one looking for somewhere to hide.

The clip begins with text explaining, “My dog thinks he’s my foster puppy’s dad,” before showing Cactus sitting beside Cowboy’s crate. The rescue dog spends some time sniffing around the crate and investigating the puppy’s space. It’s safe to say he appears very interested in what is happening inside.

Brown then asks Cactus if he wants to get the baby out. Cactus immediately responds by wagging his tail, seemingly excited about the prospect of finally meeting the puppy. When Brown opens the crate, Cactus gets close to Cowboy and begins sniffing him curiously. He also stretches excitedly as he takes in the tiny newcomer.

Seeing how enthusiastic Cactus is, Brown reminds him to be gentle with the baby and not get too excited. Cowboy, meanwhile, seems less impressed by his new guardian’s energy. The little puppy eventually crawls underneath the bed, apparently deciding that some distance from Cactus is needed.

After a few minutes, Cactus sits near the baby and appears to make an effort to settle down. He stays beside the bed, looking like a dog trying his best to understand that his new role requires patience and a gentle approach.

The caption offered more context about why Cowboy is currently receiving extra attention from Cactus. The puppy cannot be with his mother, Honey, at the moment because she is undergoing treatment for heartworm. With Honey temporarily unable to care for her puppy, Cactus has seemingly stepped in to give Cowboy some companionship and affection while he remains in foster care.