Dog’s Sleepy Reaction to Mom Coming Home Is Winning Over Internet

Kobe the Golden Retriever Wins Hearts With His “Sleepy Ears”

Golden retrievers have a reputation for their sweet personalities, but one dog’s drowsy reaction to being woken up has taken that charm to viral levels. Kobe, a four-year-old golden retriever from Scotland, recently became a TikTok sensation after his owner, Rachel Smith (@rachellssmithh), captured his groggy antics on camera. In less than 24 hours, the clip drew more than 240,000 views and 40,000 likes.

The video shows Kobe standing at the top of the stairs, clearly fresh from a nap. His fur sticks out in tufts, his eyes are half-shut, and one ear is adorably crumpled—what viewers quickly dubbed his “sleepy ears.” Even in that groggy state, Kobe wagged his tail and wiggled with excitement at seeing Rachel home earlier than expected. “Oh my goodness, that is a tired boy,” she can be heard saying, her affection shining through as Kobe blinked between exhaustion and happiness.

Experts note that dogs can sleep anywhere from eight to twenty hours a day, depending on breed, age, and activity levels. Like humans, they cycle through REM and non-REM sleep, often twitching or flicking their ears during dreams. While sudden awakenings can sometimes confuse dogs, Kobe was roused simply by the sound of the door opening.

TikTok users couldn’t get enough of his sleepy reaction. “That’s one hell of a bed head, and bed ears too,” one joked. Another added, “I love coming home earlier than usual because my boy is always sleepy but so happy at the same time.” A third quipped, “This is what my husband looks like when I get home early!”

Kobe’s viral moment is a sweet reminder of the little quirks that make our pets so endearing. With nothing more than a wagging tail, a drowsy smile, and one crumpled ear, he managed to brighten the days of thousands around the world.

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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.