Dashing Golden Retriever visits local bodega every night— to see his 'girlfriend'

Who says love is just restricted to humans? Well, it thrives in the animal kingdom, too! Of course, their way of expressing love and communicating with their partners is different, but their efforts are as real as humans'. Don't believe us? Wait till you meet Duke, the charming Golden Retriever (@dukethegolden on Instagram)! The adorable boy never misses his regular visit to the local bodega every night. The reason? A heartwarming reunion with the store lady, whom he thinks is his girlfriend. 

According to his owner, Duke is convinced he's in a full-fledged relationship with the lady at their local bodega. That's why, every night without fail, the golden boy trots over to meet her—his little love story in the making! "So my golden retriever is convinced he's in a relationship with his girlfriend at our local bodega, aka we have to go get a sweet treat every night," the dog owner shared in the caption. The wholesome video captured Duke sprinting to the counter at the local store, his tail wagging with uncontrollable excitement. And, at that moment, he spotted his lady love; the irresistibly adorable canine rushed to her, unable to contain his joy. Meanwhile, the lady also responded, welcoming Duke with gentle caresses and sweet kisses.

Moreover, after a brief lovey-dovey moment, Duke happily accepts some delicious treats from the store lady before walking back home—his heart (and, of course, his belly) full, as captured in the adorable Instagram reel. The video received an overwhelming response on social media, with over 5 million views online. On the other hand, reacting to the clip, @samuelsteyer commented, "It’s insane how much dogs cheer up people’s day every day." Similarly, @i'mc.j. shared, "He has good taste, she's beautiful, and who can resist this handsome dog!" @angierollingstone, a dog parent, revealed, "My husky has like 3-4 stops he makes into different establishments on our walks. None of these stops have anything to do with me. I'm just the leash holder, lol!" @mariam_melik said, "He was a player in another life, and he’s a player as a dog too!"

@lafond_gwen commented, "Duke does not know how lucky he is! Every time I see all you cute girls loving him so much. It makes me smile." @catherine shared, "I walk a Golden Retriever, and every time we pass through the same street, she always looks for the garbage man that always pets her." @dustinnichols wrote, "The last job I had, we had a golden come in nearly every night for a treat just like this. One of the things I miss about that job." @danamcpherson73 shared, "So sweet that dogs have friends outside their human families. My dogs love company. When people come to the house, they think it's to see them." @hybridhoney revealed, "My pitbull is in love with my elderly neighbor. She has stopped in front of his house without fail since she was 6 months old; she is two, and when she sees that man, the entire world has to stop because she is going to get so Mr. Gary rubs, and she is so gentle with him like she knows he’s fragile."

You can watch the video here. 

You can follow Duke The Golden (@dukethegolden on Instagram) for more updates on Duke.