Some dogs treat their favorite toy like a best friend, so when it suddenly disappears, the heartbreak is real. That was exactly the case for Lincoln, a four year old golden retriever who had no idea his beloved stuffed animal was about to be replaced by something even more special.
A Dog Who Loved His Stuffie More Than Anything
Lincoln has spent years living a comfortable, adventure filled life with his family. He has a soft bed, plenty of walks, and a growing collection of toys. But none mattered quite as much as his stuffed golden retriever, Maverick. He carried it everywhere, played gently with it, and often slept with it tucked beside him.
So when his owners suddenly took Maverick away, Lincoln was crushed.
The Day Maverick Disappeared
In a video shared to TikTok, Lincoln’s owner reaches into his crate, retrieves the stuffed dog, and gently places it in a box. She tells him to “say goodbye to Mav,” and Lincoln’s face immediately falls. Confused, he sniffs around the box as if trying to figure out what is happening.
To Lincoln, it must have felt like his best friend was being taken away without explanation.
What he didn’t know was that a very big surprise was waiting just outside.
A Real Life Maverick Appears
Once the family stepped outdoors, Lincoln’s owner lifted Maverick the stuffie out of the box and replaced it with something unbelievable – a tiny golden retriever puppy. Maverick had officially come to life.
When the couple carried the box back inside, Lincoln’s confusion turned into excitement. His tail began wagging wildly as he sniffed the sides of the box, sensing something new. Before the big reveal, he even ran to collect one of his own toys, as if preparing to share.
When he finally saw the puppy, his whole body lit up. He greeted the little newcomer with total enthusiasm, bringing over toys in an attempt to play. Meanwhile, the puppy, eager and wiggly, tried to climb out to meet his new big brother.
The Internet Falls Apart Watching The Sweet Moment
TikTok users watched the video more than a million times, with comments filled with tears, laughter, and love. Many admitted they felt emotional watching Lincoln’s sad eyes when the stuffed Maverick was taken away. Others melted seeing how quickly his heartbreak turned into joy the moment he met the puppy.
And several viewers made the same request: give Lincoln his stuffed Maverick back too.
Bringing A Puppy Home The Right Way
Introducing a new puppy to an older dog can be exciting, but it requires patience. The American Kennel Club recommends allowing dogs to meet in a neutral space at first and rewarding good behaviour as they learn to share their home. Older dogs should be given breaks from the puppy’s constant energy, and early interactions should always be supervised.
Lincoln and his new puppy brother seem to be off to a wonderful start – and judging by their first moments together, Maverick the stuffie and Maverick the puppy may soon become his two favorite companions.
@lifeoflincoln_ POV: You get your dog a puppy and stuffed animal Maverick becomes real life Maverick! #puppy #goldenretriever #happy #love #goldenretrieverpuppy ♬ Boundless Worship – Josué Novais Piano Worship
