A dog owner was left completely stunned after placing her seven-month-old golden retriever puppy on weighing scales, with the result prompting her to double-check the numbers to ensure they were correct.
Surprising Scale Reading
Katie, who shares content on TikTok under the username @barkstreetboys_, is highly experienced with dogs, having cared for them for many years. She and her husband currently have four golden retrievers, including siblings Rory and Enzo, who are the newest additions to their household.
Despite both brothers receiving identical portions of food since joining the family, Enzo has grown considerably larger than his sibling. The couple felt compelled to verify the scales in an amusing TikTok video that shows Katie's husband lifting Enzo while stepping onto the weighing device.
Viral TikTok Moment
In the footage, which has already amassed more than 62,000 views, Enzo can be seen cradled in his owner's arms, gazing mournfully at the camera, adding a humorous touch to the clip. After subtracting her partner's weight from the total shown on the scales, the couple discovered their puppy weighs over six stone, specifically 38.7 kilograms or 85 pounds.
In text overlaying the video, Katie wrote: "The moment we had to double check the scales. Seven months old and 38.7kg (85lbs and over 6st)." She added in the caption: "If you've had a golden retriever pup a similar weight, how big are they fully grown?"
Community Reactions and Clarifications
The video sparked a range of responses from TikTok users. One commenter shared: "Our show line golden was big like that as a puppy! He is 42kg now and looks perfect, not overweight, he is just a big boy." Katie replied, noting Enzo's tall stature, large head, big feet, and broad shoulders, while comparing him to his lighter-built brother.
Another user remarked: "Our two-year-old golden is 27kg this makes her feel absolutely tiny!!!! What the helly." Others described Enzo as "so handsome" and "a little chonker," with one adding: "What a big boy! He's gorgeous!"
Addressing Weight Concerns
Some viewers expressed concern about the dog's weight, prompting the couple's dog walker, Megan, to clarify the situation. She stated: "I can say as Enzo's dog walker that he is not overweight and his vet has confirmed this. Katie and her family have had this line of retrievers for years and know exactly how to look after them."
Megan explained that the video angle was unflattering and didn't accurately represent Enzo's figure. She included a photo showing Enzo lying on a rug, where he appears considerably trimmer, and urged people to watch what they say without knowing the full story.
Golden Retrievers as Family Pets
Golden retrievers are an exceptionally popular breed among dog lovers, renowned for their gentle, friendly, playful, and loyal temperaments. Their emotional awareness makes them widely championed as perfect family pets, recognized by their long, golden coats and large builds.
Getting a dog is a substantial commitment that can span 10-15 years or more, depending on the breed's life expectancy. Every dog demands devoted attention to their needs, with owners responsible for ensuring proper nutrition, sufficient physical activity, regular grooming, and mental enrichment.
Responsible Pet Ownership
Before getting a dog, thorough research is crucial, and it's important to remember that not every breed is suitable for first-time owners. Professional training is often necessary to ensure a well-adjusted pet.
Many rescue organisations and charities have numerous dogs waiting for permanent homes, making it worthwhile to explore the advantages of adopting a rescue animal rather than purchasing from a breeder. This approach can provide loving homes to animals in need while offering owners the joy of companionship.