Watch Moment Sleeping Senior Dog Realizes Owner Is Home: 'Every Day I Cry'

Unlike adults who cherish their slumber, dogs don't usually hold a grudge when they are awakened, especially since most see it as an opportunity for snuggles, playtime or food. Owner Viviana Valeria knows her senior dog doesn't mind getting awakened up when she returns home. In his mind, waking up to Valeria returning means kisses are coming. But to keep from startling her sleeping 11-year-old Maltese named Vandy, Valeria approaches the process gently and quietly. This is important as stroking or patting a sleeping dog can frighten them, an animal well-being specialist told Newsweek previously. Dogs might even react, especially if they have a nervous disposition. In a May 8 TikTok video posted by user @viva.la.vivi, Vandy was sound asleep on his throne—a checkered-print, mini-dod couch. Valeria calmly waits and speaks softly instead of rushing to greet him. His wheels were turning when he woke up, registering who walked inside. He stayed seated in awe as his dream was coming true. It doesn't matter that Valeria sees the same reaction from Vandy daily, she can't get over the preciousness and how happy he gets every time she comes home. It's a reaction filled with nothing but love. The caption reads: "Every day I cry."

Valeria repeated the phrase "little boy" as Vandy slowly woke up. Her gentle greeting and words helped transition him from slumber to reality. And once the lightbulb went off, his face lit up. He jumped off the couch, hopping to Valeria to receive his much-needed kisses. Vandy's reaction in the video is pretty typical, Valeria explained. Gently ratting her keys is usually enough to wake him, but due to his senior years, it can take a few moments. "It usually takes him a while to register," Valeria said. "He's usually in a pretty deep sleep. And once he does it's over! His tail is wagging like crazy and he begs to be picked up and smooched!"

Viewer Reactions

As of Tuesday, the video had more than 350,600 views, 68,400 likes and 353 comments. "They sleep so perfect and when they wake up with smoosh face," wrote a viewer. Another added: "He sleeps like an angel," while a third commented: "He gets smoosh nap face like my baby girl! I love this gentle little wake-up for him." One TikToker said: "What a life he's living. So cute!" Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our "Pet of the Week" lineup.