A dog owner has revealed the gut-busting way in which his Bernese mountain dog insists on being lifted into the car.
Cody Baker from Long Island posted a clip to TikTok of his "spoiled girl" Luna in action—or rather, inaction. In the clip, Baker can be seen groaning as he realizes Luna wants him to lift her into the car.
That groaning soon gives way to straining as he attempts to get the sizable pet pooch into the back seat. But while pain is etched across the dog owner's face as he grapples with the task at hand, Baker would not have it any other way. Baker estimates Luna weighs around 140 pounds, but he'd happily move heaven and earth for his pup.
"I've had dogs my whole life, and we had a Bernese mountain dog before Luna and fell in love with the breed, so during Covid, we decided to get another one for our kids," he told Newsweek.
Baker and his family got Luna from a breeder in Vermont. They have been inseparable ever since.
"I just fell in love with her. Since she was a puppy, she just loves being around us" he said. "She's such a character and always is happy to see me. I just want to make her life as happy and fun as possible."
Part of that involves indulging her in some of her favorite activities.
"Her favorite thing to do is go for car rides and get puppy cups and a bagel. She also loves to go to the beach," Baker said.
That all amounts to a whole lot of lifting for Baker, but he's not complaining and didn't post the clip of Luna to get sympathy. "I just enjoy having fun with my dog and posting what we do," he said. "It's pure love and fun."
Baker makes no bones about the fact he spoils Luna and he's far from alone in that respect. A 2023 survey of 2,000 U.S. pet owners conducted by OnePoll on behalf of pet food company Solid Gold saw 96 percent of respondents admit to spoiling their pets in a wide variety of ways.
Those watching the video of Baker struggling to get Luna up into the car certainly seem to have enjoyed the show, with the clip amassing 7.4 million views and a glut of amused comments.
"She's the cutest little hernia maker," one user commented, with another writing, "She really puts in minimal effort."
A third commenter said, "You gotta buy a lawn mower ramp."
While Baker is happy to laugh along with those watching his struggle, he knows the joy of having Luna in his family's life far outweighs the strain of picking her up every now and then.
"We are very blessed to have dogs in our life, the unconditional love they give, no matter what," he said. "It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor or had a horrible day. Dogs only care that you are there for them and show them love and they will give it back ten folds. I showed that to my kids as they were growing up and they are huge animal lovers. That makes me happy."
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