Woman Buys Dog off Craigslist, Ends Up With 'Stage 4 Clinger'

A woman who shared the very intense love her dog has for her—following her everywhere and keeping a keen eye on her at all times—has gone viral.

Amelia Deleon, 53, is the proud owner of border heeler Oliver, who joined her family by complete accident—twice.

She came across an ad for the pup on Craigslist while looking for a dog crate, and immediately fell in love. But after buying him, the owner asked for him back—only for his advert to reappear on the site days later.

Now Oliver is completely bonded with the HR director who lives in Colorado. She described her beloved pet to Newsweek as "incredibly smart."

"He joins me at work at least once a week and has never met a person or dog he doesn't like. He absolutely loves hiking and being outdoors," she said, adding that she had always wanted a dog she could run and hike with.

He is also, as she describes him in a viral TikTok video to his account @ollie_thegoodboy_collie, a "stage 4 clinger," telling Newsweek he "herds me out of bed. That's another daily activity."

"From the moment I wake up, he's right there, ready to follow me around the house," she said. "If I dare to leave the room, he'll be hot on my heels within seconds. I can never close the bathroom door because he's figured out how to open it! Stepping into the backyard without him? Forget about it!"

Oliver the dog keeps a close eye on his owner all day. He also keeps one eye on her at night, she said. Oliver the dog keeps a close eye on his owner all day. He also keeps one eye on her at night, she said. TikTok @ollie_thegoodboy_collie

The video shows a montage of Oliver doing what he does best: following Deleon everywhere, popping up in some of the most unexpected places.

He leaps on her bed, barking into her face happily; his nose sticks through the shower curtain as she bathes; his legs stop the bathroom door from closing; he pokes his head into the hallway looking for her.

Whether Deleon is working, looking in the fridge, or just standing still, Oliver's eyes are on her the entire time.

TikTok users loved the clip, which has over 23,000 likes, as one commenter wrote: "Poor working breeds, ALWAYS on duty!"

Another shared that their dog was the same, and that he had "two jobs - keep track of dad, and fetch whatever he just threw."

"They have to know what you are doing every second," a third user laughed, as one simply praised Oliver as the "prettiest dog in the world."

The four-year-old has an "obsessive devotion" to his owner, which she loves. TikTok users have also fallen in love with his herding skills. The four-year-old has an "obsessive devotion" to his owner, which she loves. TikTok users have also fallen in love with his herding skills. TikTok @ollie_thegoodboy_collie

As a border heeler, Oliver is a cross between a border collie and an Australian cattle dog, both breeds known for their herding skills.

Cattle dogs have an immense work drive and are known for their skills in hunting, chasing and moving livestock, as well as their limitless energy, the American Kennel Club states.

The border collie too is known for its intense 'herding eye' gaze, and alert, intelligent and loyal nature, meaning crossbreed Oliver was always going to follow his favorite person.

Speaking to Newsweek, Deleon said: "At night, his vigilance doesn't wane. Sometimes I catch him sleeping with one eye open, that eye fixed on me! It's funny and creepy at the same time."

But, she said, while his "clinginess can be a bit much," it's proof of his "deep bond and unwavering loyalty to me."

"Oliver's constant presence is a reminder of the special connection we share, one that's filled with love, trust, and a bit of obsessive devotion!"

Newsweek has contacted Craigslist for comment. This story will be updated should they reply.

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