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Dachshund’s Emotional Reaction to Owner’s Return Goes Viral
A senior dachshund named Bucky has captured hearts across TikTok after his touching reaction to his owner’s return from vacation went viral. The 12-year-old pup, who lives with Gracie Greene and her husband, refused to leave Greene’s chest after she returned from a two-week trip to Italy. The video, shared on August 21, quickly climbed past 281,000 views as thousands of viewers were moved by the dog’s emotional attachment.
While Greene’s sister stayed at their home to care for Bucky, the dachshund’s bond with his owner became even stronger once she returned. “This is the only way he will sleep or calm down since I’ve gotten home,” Greene explained in the video, as Bucky nestled firmly against her chest. She added that dachshunds are naturally clingy, but Bucky’s behavior had intensified dramatically since the separation.
In an interview with Newsweek, Greene shared that although Bucky had always been very attached, his need for closeness became “extra strong” after she came back. Normally content to curl up on her lap, Bucky now insists on resting directly on her chest, rarely letting her go.
The story took on added poignancy after Greene revealed that Bucky had recently been diagnosed with cancer. A biopsy showed a chest tumor believed to be lymphoma, with veterinarians estimating he may have about a year left with treatment. His insistence on staying close has become even more meaningful given the circumstances.

Research supports the idea that dogs form deep emotional bonds with their humans. A 2013 study in PLOS One compared these connections to the attachment infants feel toward their parents, highlighting how dogs rely on their caregivers not only for physical needs but also for emotional reassurance.
TikTok users responded with an outpouring of empathy, humor, and shared experiences. One commenter wrote, “Two weeks? Girl, he probably thought you died!” while another admitted they couldn’t last a single day without their own dog. Some playfully scolded Greene, writing, “Don’t EVER leave that baby again!”

For Greene, Bucky’s devotion is bittersweet—both a joyful reminder of the unshakable bond they share and a painful reflection of his diagnosis. For viewers, his story serves as a touching reminder of the unconditional love dogs give and the profound comfort they bring to their families.
Click the video below to watch the full story:
This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.