'You pet me with this hand, and I'll just hold this one': Golden retriever’s hand-holding routine turns an ordinary homecoming into the sweetest daily tradition

Some dogs greet their humans with barks or happy spins, but this golden retriever has his own pawsitively heart-melting ritual. The moment his hooman walks through the door, he turns into a wiggly blur of joy, tail wagging like it's powered by pure love. But what really makes this reunion special is his signature move: the gentle hand hold.

After a soft boop and a curious sniff, he takes his person's hand carefully in his mouth, not to bite but to guide. He proudly leads the way to the living room, where he flops over, belly exposed, ready for his favorite part. The rubs. It's his sweet way of saying "Welcome home. Pet me now."

It's moments like these that remind us why goldens are known for their giant hearts. No words needed, no tricks required. Just one loyal pup, a soft mouth, and the simple joy of being together again after a long day. That's the kind of greeting that never gets old.

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via Helena Lopes from Pexels / Canva

This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.
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The hand-holding is absolutely a must. It’s the ultimate display of loyalty and love. That gentle, trusting grip says everything without a single bark. A true golden trademark move.
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The biting phase never really ends, it just gets a lot more gentle. From puppy nibbles to soft mouth hugs, it’s how they say “I love you” in dog language.
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Mouth hugs might just be the cutest thing ever. That gentle golden gesture is pure love. Honestly, we could all use a few soft, slobbery hand-holds like that in our lives.
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