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Golden Retriever With a Chewbacca Howl “Retrieves” Owner in Viral Welcome Home Video
A lovable golden retriever named Wilson has become the internet’s newest obsession after a video captured his hilariously affectionate welcome-home routine. Far from just retrieving tennis balls, Wilson has perfected the art of retrieving something far more important—his favorite human.
In the viral TikTok clip, which has already surpassed 2.3 million views, Wilson greets his owner the moment the front door opens. His tail wags furiously, and he lets out a distinctive howl that sounds strikingly similar to Chewbacca from Star Wars. But it’s what he does next that really melted hearts—Wilson gently grabs his owner’s arm in his mouth and leads her inside, as if to say, “You’re finally home, now let’s go!”
His adoring fanbase was quick to respond. The video’s caption playfully reads, “He doesn’t just retrieve toys—he retrieves hearts. And limbs.” TikTok users flooded the comments with praise and laughter. One fan joked, “Remain calm! You are being retrieved by your designated golden doggo.” Another quipped, “How did you get a domesticated Chewbacca? I WANT ONE.”

According to his owner, Wilson’s quirky behavior isn’t random—it’s a form of displacement behavior, something dog trainers describe as a way for pets to self-soothe when they’re overwhelmed. If Wilson doesn’t have a toy or something appropriate to hold in his mouth during moments of extreme excitement, he defaults to gently mouthing his owner’s arm. While it may look a bit silly, it’s harmless and actually shows just how emotionally connected he is.
Displacement behaviors are common in highly bonded dogs and usually appear in situations that trigger strong feelings—like the return of their favorite person after time apart. For Wilson, it’s simply his way of expressing love and managing excitement all at once.
Wilson’s gentle demeanor and signature howl have helped build his growing TikTok presence, under the handle @wags_with_wilson. His antics continue to draw laughs, love, and a little bit of envy from dog lovers everywhere.

Whether he’s leading his owner by the arm or sounding like a galactic Wookiee, one thing is certain—Wilson is retrieving hearts everywhere he goes. For many, he’s the perfect reminder of the deep, joyful connection we share with our pets.
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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.