Moment New Owner Picks Up 8-Week-Old Golden Retriever Puppy—'I'm Sobbing'

Most dog owners will recall hardly being able to contain their excitement as the time came for them to finally pick up their new puppy. Boston-based influencer Kristen Schick felt no different, and has gone on to melt hearts online by sharing the journey she took to bring her new puppy Frankie home.

With a 270,000-strong following on TikTok, Schick's video, posted on April 4, has already gained more than 400,000 likes.

The video, which was captioned "I'm sobbing," opens with the influencer excitedly announcing, "Come along with me to pick up my golden retriever puppy."

She talked about her lifelong dream of owning a golden retriever, and her followers got to watch along as she packed her bag with dog-mom essentials, such as a new harness and a brand-new name tag engraved, "Frankie."

The excitement was palpable as she set off on her drive to Vermont to meet her new furry friend. Schick documented each step of the journey, from driving through picturesque landscapes to her arrival at the breeder's location where she first met Frankie's parents and two of his playful siblings.

Viewers were then shown Frankie's first moments in his new home, which he appeared to take an instant liking to by wagging his tail. Schick, however, shared in a voiceover that the pup was a "little shy" at first. The video concluded with a clip of the influencer and her new golden retriever snuggling up to each other on the couch.

@kristenschick

im sobbing 🥹 meet frankie!! #newpuppy #dogvlog #boston #puppypickup #goldenretriever #bostontok #goldenretrieverpuppy

♬ sparks - welcome

What Do the Comments Say?

While plenty of viewers have gushed over the pair's instant bond, not all feedback was positive. Some viewers expressed disappointment at Frankie's origins, pointing out the ongoing issue of full animal rescue shelters and the importance of adopting pets.

"Please please please adopt!!!! The shelters are SO FULL," one user wrote, highlighting a common criticism faced by those choosing to buy pets from breeders.

In defense of Schick's decision, another user commented: "All the people who say adopt, let me know how many you've adopted."

A file image of a golden retriever puppy. Kristen Schick, an influencer based in Boston, shared her first moments with her new pet online. A file image of a golden retriever puppy. Kristen Schick, an influencer based in Boston, shared her first moments with her new pet online. Getty Images

Despite the disagreements, the influencer's story has resonated with many, turning her video into a viral sensation. Her journey with Frankie continues to be featured in follow-up posts, each gathering significant attention as viewers eagerly tune in to see their adventures unfold in the heart of Boston.

While Schick offered her followers a glowing image of what it's like to settle a new pet in, in reality, bringing a new puppy home and making them feel comfortable can be tough.

How To Settle in a New Puppy

Nell Ostermeier, a licensed veterinarian and spokesperson for Figo Pet Insurance from Illinois, told Newsweek that the first three days a new owner like Schick spends with their pet is known as "the adjustment period."

"During that time, [the] owners' focus should be on noticing the dog's preferences and in creating a safe space for them so that they can acclimate," Ostermeier said.

"Creating a transition plan and making sure that the dog's basic needs will be met before you bring them home is key to a successful transition. If there is more than one person in your household, you should hold a meeting and establish guidelines around your approach to the new dog. Consistency helps a new dog to settle in; they feel more secure because they know what to expect from each member of the family.

"Acquiring the items that are needed to meet the basic dog needs of food, shelter, exercise and enrichment is important as well. Putting these basics together ahead of time can help set up for a smooth transition," she added.

Ostermeier says that a comfortable bed should be included in the list of basic dog needs that new owners need to draw up before bringing their new family member home.

Kelly Cairns, a board-certified small animal internal medicine specialist and vice president of medical excellence for Thrive Pet Healthcare, also spoke with Newsweek about what needs to be done before a dog is welcomed to its new home.

"Consult with your veterinarian," Cairns said.

"Your vet can recommend the best and safest way to integrate your new puppy into the household. Your vet can also recommend professional assistance such as a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist."

"Vaccinations are critical. The first four months for a puppy are a critical socialization time and when they receive their core vaccinations. Early socialization is important for puppies but it's also important to keep your puppy safe from dangerous illnesses," she added.

Newsweek has reached out to @kristenschick for more information via email.

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