3-Legged Lab Carries Emotional Support Teddy Everywhere And It's The Sweetest
Every human needs some emotional support at some point in their lives. Why should our pets be any different? Dogs and cats experience many of the same feelings that their owners do: happiness, sadness, anxiety, and so on. For one reason or another, these animals form emotional attachments to stuffed toys in the same way a child does. A chocolate Labrador named Asia developed such a bond with a large, stuffed Scooby-Doo toy, and her owner shared a video of the pair on TikTok in August 2025, delighting thousands of viewers.
@asia.the.choccy No matter how much she struggles, she will bring her emotional support Scooby with her everywhere! This teddy got her through her hardest days, when she got diagnosed with cancer, when she had her leg amputated, and when she was mending. Scooby has always been there for my Labrador. #TripodDog #ThreeLeggedDog #DogCancer #scooby #scoobydoo
The caption explains why "the 3-legged choccy" carries her emotional-support Scooby everywhere. Many may not know what to expect when adopting a three-legged dog, but the trust is, they need the same love and support that all dogs do. In Asia's case, the toy accompanied her when she was diagnosed with cancer, when she underwent an amputation, and during her recovery. In the video, Asia is seen walking up a flight of carpeted stairs with the toy held securely in her teeth. Other clips show her with stuffed Simba toys, but it seems that she chose Scooby to be by her side during trying times — potentially because he's canine.
The clip has received more than 800 comments, with one fan saying, "Oh this is super cute! Glad she made it through that tough time." Others shared photos of their own dogs with their emotional support stuffies. Perhaps you also have a pooch with a treasured toy, but have you ever wondered what draws dogs to these objects before they form attachments?
Why dogs love stuffed animals so much
Some dogs go adorably belligerent over stuffed toys, especially a new one. One reason for the obsession is the provision of mental enrichment, but these toys also fulfill instinctual and emotional needs. Just ask Asia. Much like a child's security blanket, a stuffed animal can become a comfort object for a dog, helping it get through lonely times of the day, naps, or stressful situations like a major surgery. These toys also often carry familiar scents, bring sensory comfort, and serve as predictable companions for dogs when their humans aren't around.
But it's not just about cuddles and comfort. Dogs are wired with natural instincts surrounding prey, nursing, and even maternal urges that make plushies more than just soft toys. Domestic dogs aggressively shake their toys just like a wild dog would shake its prey, and squeakers mimic sounds of an animal in distress, amplifying the hunt-like experience. Other dogs, particularly female ones, may take a maternal interest in a stuffed animal due to hormone imbalances or a false pregnancy.
Whether your furry friend is motivated by play, emotional comfort, instinct, or all of the above, stuffed animals aren't just simple toys — they're treasures. That spark of interest can deepen quickly into a strong bond, turning a beloved plush into an emotional‑support object. In Asia's case, Scooby became just that. Interested in seeing more stories like these? Check out these 17 dogs with their absolute favorite toys.