Owner thinks puppy doesn't want to go to daycare—then photos show why

A couple who put their dog in daycare in the hopes she would make friends with other pups have shared the heartbreaking photos they get of her days out.

Rachel, 28, lives in Ohio with her husband and their golden retriever puppy, Cherry, who has become a bit of a social media icon since the couple began sharing her videos to TikTok account @goldencherrygirl.

The five-month-old puppy lives a life of pure adoration, and with both of her owners working remotely, is often around them all the time, with Rachel describing it to Newsweek: “Cherry spends all her time curled up on the couch while we work during the week!”

However, socialization is a vital part of puppyhood, and the couple have been “sending Cherry to daycare once a week or so to try to socialize her with other dogs and make friends.”

Owners are urged to socialize their dog at a young age, when their brains are most receptive to introductions and interactions. It helps the dog become comfortable with new sights, sounds, smells, other dogs and humans, and other animal species, according to a vet report from PetMD.

In Cherry’s case, Rachel says she “loves going into daycare and loves the workers so much—but has been a bit overwhelmed with all the pups to play with.”

Cherry the golden retriever puppy (TikTok @goldencherrygirl)

In September, Rachel shared a heart-wrenching video showing some of the photos they’ve received from Cherry’s daycare, as her owner worried it had been “hard for [her] to make friends.”

One photo showed Cherry standing alone in a room while other dogs played together, giving a sad look to the camera. And in the next, Cherry was closer to the camera, giving sad puppy eyes to the worker.

Rachel wrote in the caption: “Why is she always standing alone? And giving those sad eyes at daycare ugh!”

She told Newsweek that in “the report cards they send, she looks super sad, which breaks my heart.”

Cherry at daycare (TikTok @goldencherrygirl)

But, she added: “We think she’s just a shy girl coming out of her shell, as it can take some time to be around a lot of other pups, and she still seems to really enjoy going to daycare. She’s a super friendly, sweet girl but loves her naps and isn’t used to chaos!”

Cherry isn’t alone, as TikTok users flocked to the comments of the video—which has close to 500,000 likes—sharing their own dogs’ stories

“My baby would only cuddle up with the workers for years,” one shared. “One day I checked the cameras and she was trying to play with other dogs. I cried I was so proud of her growth!”

Others reassured Rachel, one writing: “She’s fine she’s just a puppy golden retriever, she’ll learn,” and another adding: “My golden Ravioli had a hard time too, now he has a gf named Millie the basset hound, and his bestie friend is Nash!”

Another pleaded with Cherry’s owners: “Please I need an update when Cherry makes friends so I know she’s okay!”

And in good news, Rachel told Newsweek that Cherry’s daycare “has noted she’s starting to warm up and make a few friends along the way, but is still coming out of her shell and is making progress.

“We’ve learned it can take some time for pups to come out of their shell and make friends and hope she will soon!”

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

Related Articles