Lincoln, a spirited and affectionate Golden Retriever from Tennessee, has become a viral icon after an emotional moment at his favorite daycare touched hearts around the world. This water-loving pup, known for his joyful nature and deep bond with his human, Meghan, follows a structured routine—especially on his daycare days at the Pleasant View Pet Spa and Country Boarding Retreat.
Most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays begin with wags and excitement as Lincoln arrives at the doggy retreat, ready for group play and social time. As he enjoys hours of play, rest, and companionship, he forms connections not just with his canine pals, but with the caring staff who know him well. But on one particular day, what began as routine ended in a rare display of raw emotion.
That day, Meghan was unexpectedly delayed by a late work call. Although the facility stays open until 6 PM, Lincoln is normally picked up by 5:15. As the hour passed and other dogs were joyfully reunited with their families, Lincoln started to realize that something was different. One by one, his playmates left, and what was once a lively room of wagging tails and happy barks slowly turned silent.
Lincoln remained, quietly watching the door. As the atmosphere shifted, so did his energy. He sat beside one of the daycare handlers, Holly, his posture communicating deeper feelings than words ever could. A security camera captured the moment, showing the golden retriever with his head bowed and ears drooped. He wasn’t just waiting—he was longing.
@lifewithlincoln23 when all your friends leave daycare 😭 @nashville_pet_spa ♬ Funny – Gold-Tiger
Holly stayed by his side, gently comforting him as he leaned against her in silence. It was a heartbreaking image—a cheerful dog slowly dimming with each passing minute of solitude. The video was later shared on TikTok and instantly resonated with viewers across the internet. Comments poured in, many recalling similar childhood experiences or simply empathizing with Lincoln’s visible sadness.
As one commenter put it: “Looks directly at the camera like — ‘Mom, are you seeing this?… I’ve been abandoned!’”
By 5:45, just 15 minutes before closing, Meghan finally walked through the door. The transformation, the moment Lincoln spotted her, was instant. The heaviness lifted. Ears perked, tail wagging furiously, Lincoln ran into her arms, his earlier sadness erased in the blink of an eye.
Meghan was devastated to learn how deeply the delay had affected her pup. She wasted no time making it up to him with his favorite things:
- Delicious treats
- A sweet pup cup
- Endless snuggles and love at home
Lincoln has been a part of Meghan’s life since late 2022. When he first arrived, his guide was an older dog named Oliver, who gently taught him the house rules and helped shape Lincoln into the well-mannered pup he is today. Though Oliver has since passed, his influence lives on through Lincoln’s kind spirit and empathetic nature.
Now on the verge of his third year with Meghan’s family, Lincoln continues to thrive. Whether it’s splashing at a lakeside resort or chasing after a stick at the park, his love for water runs deep. But more than any adventure or outing, Lincoln’s greatest joy comes from being with the people he loves. That daycare moment served as a powerful reminder that dogs—especially ones with hearts as golden as Lincoln’s—feel our absence just as much as our presence.
And in that quiet moment at daycare, the world got a glimpse into what many dog lovers already know—our pets are deeply emotional beings, full of love, trust, and waiting hearts.
Watch the viral video of Lincoln’s heartfelt moment
@lifewithlincoln23 when all your friends leave daycare 😭 @nashville_pet_spa ♬ Funny – Gold-Tiger
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