Hearts break over face of dog at the barber: "Thought I left him behind"

An owner returning to work after running an errand was met with a face of disappointment from his dog, drawing empathetic comments from dog owners who recognized the look.

Owner Jakob, who runs his dog’s TikTok account, @lexluthorthebully, works at a barbershop. He told Newsweek via TikTok that he brings his American bully named Lex—inspired by the supervillain Lex Luthor—to work with him every day. Lex is a social dog who loves interacting with people and other canines. But without Jakob, his world crumbles.

Jakob left the shop to run a quick errand, thinking Lex would be fine for a few minutes. But on his return to work, he realized his mistake. He began filming Lex from the street, as the dog pressed his face to the barbershop window, eyes fixed on the street, wondering where his human had gone.

The text on the February 5 video reads: “Oh my God, he thought I left him behind.”

Screenshots from a February 5, 2026, TikTok video of an American bully looking outside a window after his owner left to run an errand.

“When I came back after running an errand for 5 minutes, I saw him through the window, all heartbroken,” he said.

While this type of reaction is common when Jakob leaves his dog, he said this time was the saddest he’s ever seen Lex, but he thinks timing played a part in this particular instance, amplifying the dog’s reaction.

“I think he got so sad because that’s usually the time we actually go home,” he said. “He probably thought I left him.”

But the disappointment doesn’t stay with Lex for long. Jakob said Lex gets extremely happy whenever he sees him again, even if they’re apart for only a few minutes.

Pet Owners Demand Justice

Within five days, the TikTok video amassed more than 380,600 views, 27,900 likes and 367 comments, as people flooded the comment section with demands that Jakob never leave Lex again.

“You are being watched by thousands. Don’t even think of it again,” a viewer wrote.

A second person added: “Don’t you do that to that tiny baby! His face is so scared.”

Another commented: “He looks worried. Head straight to him immediately!!!!! And give him lots of Bear Hugs!!!”

Leaving Dogs While At Work

Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to bring their dogs to work, forcing owners to leave them at home for hours at a time. An article from Oakwood Animal Hospital states the length of time a dog can be left alone depends on the age, overall health and personality, but between four and six hours is usually fine for most adult dogs. Some canines can adapt to staying at home for eight hours if they have sufficient space to move and play.

Owners are encouraged to tire their dogs out before leaving for work. This includes vigorous exercise, such as a long walk or playing for a few minutes. Leave your canine with puzzle toys or plushies for entertainment. Keep watch through pet cameras, some of which are equipped with two-way audio, treat dispensers or laser dot features for remote fun.

Building a predictable routine will help dogs adjust to alone time while owners go to work. Owners are also encouraged to look for signs of distress, such as destruction or house soiling, as it could indicate separation anxiety.

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.

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