In a world where vet visits are often synonymous with nervous tail tucks and hesitant paws, one enormous Newfoundland named Kuzco is flipping the script—quite literally—with open arms. Towering over most humans and wrapped in a coat as fluffy as freshly fallen snow, Kuzco has gone viral for his affectionate embrace of a veterinarian during a routine checkup. What could have been a standard visit instead turned into a moment thousands can’t stop watching.
In the heartwarming video shared by Kuzco’s owner, Ari Alvarez-Tostado, the gentle giant rises to his full height and wraps his paws around his vet in a bear-like hug. Standing proudly on his hind legs, Kuzco’s size is matched only by the sheer gentleness he exhibits in the moment. The video,
originally posted on TikTok
watch it here,
has amassed over 49.3 million views and continues to warm hearts across social media platforms.
Known as “gentle giants,” Newfoundland dogs are revered for their calm, affectionate dispositions despite their imposing sizes. Kuzco is a textbook example of the breed’s loving nature. With his massive, cuddly frame and serene temperament, he impresses not only with his dimensions but with a soul as soft as his thick fur.
What makes Kuzco stand out? It’s not just his size or breed—it’s his unique response to a place that many dogs fear. Rather than trembling in anticipation, Kuzco approached his vet with open paws. In return, the vet’s beaming smile and enthusiastic laughter reveal just how much of a delightful surprise the interaction was. Clearly, the affection goes both ways.
Ari captioned the video with the playful note, “When we say we love the vet we’re not joking,” capturing the whimsical and heart-melting nature of the moment. In the comments, she elaborated further, stating, “But in true gentle giant fashion, he doesn’t know how big he is.”
Thousands of viewers have shared their delight in the clip, noting not only Kuzco’s size but his astonishing level of trust and affection. For many pet owners, a trip to the vet is often accompanied by fear and anxiety. That’s what makes Kuzco’s behavior so remarkable—it illustrates the possibility of strong, positive bonds even in typically stressful environments.
The affection between Kuzco and his vet highlights an important truth: when handled with care and built on mutual respect, the veterinarian-pet relationship can be one of trust and deep emotional connection. Veterinary clinics are typically where pets encounter strangers, odd smells, and unfamiliar sensations. Yet Kuzco has turned that space into a stage for heartfelt appreciation.
- Newfoundlands are one of the most emotionally intelligent and calm dog breeds.
- They are known for their protective nature, loyalty, and family-friendly demeanor.
- Despite their size, they often believe they are lap dogs—much like Kuzco and his affectionate hug led us to believe.
The viral video not only showcases the adorableness of the moment but shines a light on the wonderful temperament of Newfoundlands. Too often, larger dogs are perceived as intimidating. Yet, this affectionate giant reminds viewers that loyalty and gentleness often come in oversized packages.
In the end, what truly makes this story resonate isn’t just the sweet hug—it’s the emotional reminder that even in everyday scenarios, animals can surprise us with their empathy, emotional intelligence, and overwhelming capacity to love. Kuzco, with his bear-like stature and heart of gold, is a stunning example of the unspoken bonds that exist between humans and animals.
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