Great Pyrenees Walks To CVS Every Day And Puts A Smile On Everyone's Faces

Do humans train dogs? Or do dogs train humans? In the case of Ritchie the Great Pyrenees, this gentle giant of a dog has definitely trained the humans in his life. "Every time I walk him outside, he takes me to CVS," explains his owner, Laura Santos, in a YouTube video that's been viewed more than 1 million times. "I'll never be able to go on a simple walk with him."

It all started when a kind woman at CVS bought a package of dog treats and gave one to Ritchie. Now, in Ritchie's mind, every trip to CVS means a treat for him. Santos says, "If I don't give it to him, he lies down. Obviously, he loves the treats, but he loves the people there, too. They are just extra nice to him." 

Viewer Kt3853 comments on the video, "He has trained those humans to do what he wants. Treats, hugs, and kisses. He is adorable." CVS employees aren't the only people enamored with the big shaggy dog. Ritchie's Instagram page shows the placid pup attracting attention and causing smiles wherever he goes — even in the cockpit of an airplane, where he calmly poses for snapshots with the pilot.

When a dog as big as Ritchie decides he wants a treat and isn't moving until he gets one, there isn't much an owner can do to physically move the animal. A Great Pyrenees female can weigh up to 85 pounds, while a male like Ritchie can top the scales at 100 pounds. A female can be 29 inches tall, and a male can be another 3 inches taller than that.

The Great Pyrenees can be a mellow, low-energy dog breed, often exhibiting an almost Zen-like calm, but Pyrs are also one of the dog breeds most likely to save you during an emergency. These strong and territorial warriors are known to spring into action when a loved one is in danger. Pyrs are long-haired dogs with thick double coats, making them a poor choice for allergy sufferers. Great Pyrenees are also strong-willed — and their desire to protect livestock is so ingrained — that they often struggle without a leash. As is evident from the viral video of Ritchie, even a Great Pyrenees on a leash can be nearly impossible to control when he's determined to get his treat.

Uqox comments on the video, "Great Pyrenees are wonderful dogs. Stellar protectors and pretty gentle with most people, and very, very smart. Doesn't surprise me at all that he remembers where his 'friends' are waiting for him. Once he knew where his snacks were, he locked that info in his memory vault." Ritchie certainly loves his routine.