German Shepherd Has The Most Heartbreaking Sad Face When He's Not Getting Pets
Most dogs treat being petted like it's the greatest gift of all time (aside from treats, of course), with a simple belly rub or scratch behind the ear often leaving them melting into a puddle of pure happiness. When you stop, they usually move on with their day, though. Not for this German shepherd, who has the most heartbreaking face and demeanor when he's not getting the pats he enjoys more than anything.
@bestboybenson Happy Benson vs Sad Benson
In the TikTok video, we see the German shepherd named Benson blissfully enjoying some chest rubs in the park, juxtaposed with the pitiable pup looking completely dejected in his crate, where he receives no pats. Captioned, "Happy Benson vs Sad Benson," the content creator points out that this is "my dog getting pets vs no pets."
"Poor Benson!" one person exclaimed in the comments, as another turned on all caps to say: "PET YOUR DOG AGAIN!" And honestly, we're not sure how they're able to resist!
Why do dogs like pets so much?
If you've ever wondered why your dog turns into a puddle the second you start scratching behind his or her ears, the answer is pretty simple: they absolutely love it. For many pups, getting affectionate pats is right up there with yummy treats and fun outdoor walks.
A few well-placed scratches can have them closing their eyes, lifting their head into your hand, and looking like they've unlocked pure bliss. Part of the reason is that being gently touched simply feels good. Dogs have sensitive nerve endings throughout their body, with certain spots — like their chest, ears, neck, and chin — being especially sensitive. Plus, physical affection helps them relax, making those seemingly straightforward scratch sessions feel a bit like being royally pampered during a mini spa treatment for your four-legged friend.
It's not just about the physical component, as dogs are social animals that thrive on connection. Petting is one of the ways they bond with their human companions, with every fun belly rub and chin scratch reinforcing trust and endearment. All this adds up to why so many pups actively seek out the coveted gesture whenever they can.