Dachshund Drops His Ball And His Heart-Melting Face Can Only Mean One Thing
When it comes to a dog and its ball, the two can be inseparable. Sometimes, doggies want to play fetch; other times, they just want to endlessly chew and entertain themselves. But what's a pup to do when its ball accidentally rolls away? Go get it, you say? Not if you're Gary the weenie dog and you're up on a chair. In this cute TikTok find, watch the adorable dachshund sheepishly watch his lost ball. His face at the end says it all!
@garytheweenie His face at the end... 😂 #dachshund
In the video, Gary the dachshund is chewing on a little ball while sitting on a chair when he accidentally drops it, watching it roll across the floor before looking remorsefully at the camera, as if asking, "Can you get that for me?" Who can really blame him, though, as it's a high jump off that chair for his little doxie body.
In the comments, people help decipher what Gary might be thinking, with one saying, "Hooooomaannnnn help," and another adding, "Well are you?!!!?!" Meanwhile, someone assumes he's also hoping that "'On your way to get that ball, please get my dinner ready too!'" While we're sure he wouldn't mind, we really think he's just hoping for his ball back!
Why do dogs like to play with balls?
Dogs love balls. They love fetching them, playing catch with them, and just chewing on them, a la Gary the weenie in the TikTok video. To humans, it looks like straightforward playing or mind-numbing relaxation. In reality, it taps into dogs' innate hunting instincts.
All of our precious pups have some level of predatory drive, and chasing moving objects often rewards their nervous system, with balls mimicking prey, even rolling on their own if no humans are involved. While certain breeds may be more interested in replicating hunting than others, such as the characteristics found in hunting dogs like retrievers and terriers, most dogs can be coaxed into a game of fetch or have an interest in gnawing on a ball once in a while.
That said, anything a human will throw — a ball, a toy, a stick — an energetic, healthy dog looking for entertainment and interaction will most likely go after in the spirit of fun and companionship. Of course, some dogs like Gary the weenie just enjoy chewing on balls, which still releases doggy endorphins while staving off boredom and relieving stress. In addition, some chew balls have a built-in bonus of helping clean dogs' teeth and massaging their gums. So, while you may want to think twice about tennis balls, go ahead and grab a couple of dog-safe balls the next time you're at the pet store. Your dog will surely thank you.