Tears at What Golden Retriever Does When ‘Dad' Is Out of Town
A golden retriever puppy has melted hearts online after reacting emotionally to seeing her owner on FaceTime while he was out of town.
Allison Rieger (@stellathegoldennyc), 28, a product lead based in New York City, shared a video of her 10‑month‑old dog, Stella, gazing intently into a MacBook screen as she “talked” to her dad, David Perdomo, 27. In the clip, Stella perks up the moment she hears his voice, tilting her head and peering behind the laptop as if trying to find him.
The heartwarming footage has racked up more than 68,000 likes and over 336,000 views on TikTok.
“Recently, her dad (my boyfriend) was out of town and she immediately perked up when she heard his voice over FaceTime,” Rieger told Newsweek. “I turned the laptop to her so she could say hi and see him over FaceTime, and that's when I took the video.”
Rieger added that Stella's reaction came as no surprise. “She has the biggest heart and loves us so much,” she said.
Stella's Origin Story
Stella joined Rieger and Perdomo's lives in August 2025, after the couple drove from New York City to Portland, Maine, to pick her up as an 8‑week‑old puppy. Now 10 months old, the golden retriever lives with them on the Upper West Side, where she spends much of her time exploring Central Park.
According to Rieger, Stella is “a total social butterfly” who loves meeting new people and dogs every day. While she thrives on the excitement of city life, Rieger said her favorite activity is far simpler: cuddling on the couch with her humans.
Even though they have had her for less than a year, Rieger said their bond is already incredibly strong. The couple frequently bring Stella along on outings, including park trips, outdoor happy hours and weekend getaways.
“She's playful, loving and loyal,” Rieger said, describing Stella as “the ultimate Velcro dog-in the best way.”
That attachment shows itself whenever the couple leaves home. Rieger added that Stella often waits right by the door until they return.
“I'm sorry but he can NEVER go out of town again,” Rieger joked in the video's caption.
Social Media Reacts
TikTok users were quick to share their emotional responses in the comments.
“The way he's confused and checked the back of the laptop,” one viewer wrote.
When Stella leaned behind the screen searching for her dad, even major brands chimed in. “When she looked behind the laptop,” commented National Geographic's official account.
Others leaned into humor. “Calling the police if he goes out of town again,” joked one user named Hannah.
“The way she is trying to get dad out of the laptop,” another commenter, Sonya, added.
“I'm sorry but her dad better come back right now,” wrote Stefany.
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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 8:57 AM.