Senior Golden Retriever's Bond With An Unexpected Sister Is A Sight To Behold
Lilah and Poppy are the living embodiment of the old adage that opposites attract. These BFFs spend time each day cuddling on the bed or the sofa, clearly enjoying each other's company. What makes their friendship unusual is the fact that Lilah is a golden retriever and Poppy is a ball python. In a TikTok video that's been watched more than 3.6 million times, owner Lauren Alyse Smith lifts Lilah's head to reveal Poppy tucked underneath. Then, Lilah gives Smith a long look, seeming to suggest that Smith is interrupting a private moment.
@laurenalyses I can't with her 😭 #ballpython #goldenretriever #goldensoftiktok #snakesoftiktok #sisters
Many viewers thought they were going to see a cat, a puppy, or a human baby hidden under Lilah's chin. "I did not expect to love a snake today," one wrote. One commenter shared a personal experience: "My golden loves my ball python too. He will sit and watch her in her tank and gives her little kisses when she's out."
Smith told Newsweek that Poppy lives in a terrarium except for a few hours each day. "Whenever I take Poppy out, they always say hello with a little nose boop, and then we'll usually just hang out. They always end up cuddling, and Lilah is so careful not to squish her or make any sudden movements," Smith said. "There's something really special about seeing two totally different animals be so gentle and at ease with each other. It's just pure and kind and shows how much love is out there in the world."
Friendships between dogs and snakes
Perhaps it isn't surprising that Lilah became friends with a snake. After all, Lilah is a golden retriever, which is considered one of the dog breeds with the best temperament and also one of the most emotionally intelligent. "Golden retrievers can befriend any species," a viewer of the TikTok video commented.
One of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., goldens are friendly, loyal, intelligent dogs who often continue to act like puppies well into adulthood. They enjoy playing and fetching and tend to get along well with children and other animals, making them good pets for families. They're active dogs, needing regular exercise, and many of them love swimming. They're such versatile, kind-hearted dogs that they often make good service animals.
It also isn't surprising that Poppy the snake made friends with a dog. After all, ball pythons are known to be docile, friendly, and affectionate snakes that are easy for beginners to take care of. They also don't get to be overly large, usually growing to 3 to 5 feet in length. One viewer commented, "What y'all don't know is that ball pythons are like the puppies of the snake world. just two goldens giving good vibes to each other."