When a Pet Owner’s Selfie Becomes an Adorable Boarding Facility Moment
A heartwarming and humorous interaction between a pet boarding facility and a dog owner recently captured the internet’s attention, demonstrating how the bond between humans and their pets can transcend physical separation. The Barkmore, a pet boarding and daycare facility in Tennessee, was simply following their standard practice of keeping pet parents updated with photos when they found themselves in the middle of a viral moment. After sending a photo of a client’s dog happily chasing toys in the yard, the staff received an unexpected response that would lead to a creative gesture and ultimately, internet fame.
The exchange began innocently enough when The Barkmore staff sent a photo update to a dog owner whose pet was staying at their facility. The image showed the dog appearing perfectly content during his temporary stay, energetically pursuing a toy across the outdoor play area. The owner’s response, however, is what transformed this routine communication into something special. “Amazing I love it. You can show him what I’m doing too,” the owner wrote back, attaching a selfie of himself. This simple, somewhat tongue-in-cheek request demonstrated the owner’s playful personality and deep connection with his pet, despite the physical distance between them.
Rather than simply acknowledging the message or even showing the dog the phone screen momentarily, The Barkmore staff decided to embrace the spirit of the owner’s request with extraordinary dedication. They printed out the owner’s selfie and carefully taped it to the dog’s kennel, creating a makeshift portrait that would allow the pup to “see” his human companion throughout his stay. This thoughtful gesture went beyond typical customer service, transforming the sterile environment of a boarding kennel into something more personal and homey. The staff’s creative response showed not only their sense of humor but also their understanding of the emotional bond between pets and their owners, and their willingness to go the extra mile for both.
The Barkmore staff found the whole interaction delightful, sharing with Newsweek via TikTok that “We thought it was so funny!” They added that while the owner loved receiving updates about his dog during the boarding stay, he didn’t have a TikTok account and wasn’t aware of how their shared moment had captivated social media users. The facility’s video documenting the exchange amassed over 401,000 views, nearly 90,000 likes, and hundreds of comments by viewers charmed by the wholesome interaction. The staff’s decision to share this moment revealed how these small, thoughtful actions can bring joy not just to the individuals directly involved but to thousands of online spectators as well.
The TikTok community’s reaction to the video was overwhelmingly positive, with users praising The Barkmore’s attentive and personalized approach to pet care. Comments ranged from straightforward appreciation (“Top notch care”) to users expressing their desire for similar service at their own pet boarding facilities (“The type of customer service I want from my doggy boarding”). Some viewers even suggested creative follow-ups, with one recommending they “put the tiniest dot of PB [peanut butter] on dad’s chest and get the cutest pic of him kissing his dad.” However, not all observations were sentimental—some viewers humorously pointed out that the dog seemed more interested in the person’s hand outside the kennel than in the photo of his owner, with one commenter noting, “Not the hand having to get his attention, bro does not miss you.” This mix of heartfelt and humorous responses highlighted how pet-related content often brings out both tenderness and laughter in audiences.
This charming exchange between The Barkmore, a pet owner, and his seemingly unbothered dog exemplifies how modern technology has transformed pet ownership experiences. Today’s pet parents can remain connected to their furry family members even when physically separated, receiving real-time updates and maintaining emotional bonds through photos and videos. Meanwhile, pet care facilities increasingly recognize that their services extend beyond just the physical wellbeing of animals to include the peace of mind and emotional satisfaction of the humans who love them. The Barkmore’s willingness to participate in this playful communication and their creative approach to fulfilling the owner’s request demonstrates an understanding that in the business of animal care, the human-animal bond remains central. As this viral moment shows, sometimes it’s the smallest gestures—like printing a selfie for a dog—that can create the most meaningful connections and the most memorable experiences for everyone involved.
