Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Add Upworthy to your Google News feed.
Google News Button

For dog lovers, a furry companion isn't just a pet—they’re family. And for one lucky golden retriever named Arthur, that love expanded even further when he received an endearing letter from a young neighbor.

Troy, a 10-year-old boy with a big heart, reached out to Arthur’s owners—two moms—with a handwritten note that was too sweet for words. Written in red and blue markers, the letter read:


"Hello neighbor, my name is Troy. I am in 4th grade and I’m just wondering if maybe after this virus, you need a dog sitter, and if so then I can take your dog on walks and more."

— Troy

Touched by the gesture, Arthur’s owners shared the note on his Instagram account, @arthurthefloof, along with a playful caption from Arthur’s perspective:

"I made friends with a small hooman today. He’s like basically me-sized. I bet I can get him to give me more treats than my hoomans."

That single post melted hearts across the internet, and soon, Arthur became a social media sensation.

A friendship is born

People flooded the comments, not just gushing over Troy’s adorable offer but also admiring Arthur’s undeniable charm. It wasn’t long before the two new pals got to meet in person—safely, of course.

Arthur’s Instagram kept fans updated with what they called "pupdates," sharing glimpses of his adventures with Troy. In one post, Arthur’s owners teased their followers:

"Guess who’s meeting Troy today?"

Later, they confirmed that the meeting went well, though out of respect for Troy’s privacy, no pictures were shared. Instead, they recounted the moment through Arthur’s playful voice:

"Me and the smol neighbor had a really great (socially distant) playdate today... I have a feeling we’re gonna be best buds!"

— @arthurthefloof

From that moment on, Arthur and Troy were inseparable—at least as much as they could be under pandemic restrictions.

Arthur’s rise to fame

Arthur’s Instagram, already a source of joy for his owners, quickly gained traction. People fell in love with his charming posts, which chronicled everything from his walks on the beach to his adventures through the forest. One particularly delightful post described an unexpected encounter during a stroll:

"Having the best day! Took a walk in the middle of the street and met some kids with water guns who gave me a little bath."

Arthur’s account also featured his adorable moments with Dwight, a fluffy chocolate-brown dog who often appeared in his pictures. Fans couldn’t get enough of his wholesome content, and his following only continued to grow.

But perhaps the most bittersweet update came when Arthur’s family announced they were moving to Utah. Before saying goodbye, Troy and Arthur got to spend more time together, making the most of their friendship. Reflecting on the beautiful memories, Arthur’s owners wrote:

"Thanks to my pal down the hall, I made so many internet frens this year... This will always be our fav quarantine memory."

— @arthurthefloof

A pup who made it big

Arthur’s lovable personality and growing online presence even landed him a feature in Time magazine. His owners shared the exciting news with a tongue-in-cheek post:

"So excited to announce I’ve been named @time’s Person of the Year!"

It’s safe to say Arthur left a lasting impression, not just on Troy but on thousands of people around the world who followed his journey.

Because, as every dog lover knows, having a pup is pure joy. And in Arthur’s case, that joy was multiplied through the kindness of a little boy who just wanted to be his friend.

More For You

A dog sits behind a decorative wrought iron grate looking lite she's doing time.

Aria might look like she's doing hard time, but she's just checking out the world.

livinginbellasworld

Doorbell video captures man’s unexpected act of kindness for neighbor’s dog

A quiet act of kindness has captured hearts online, thanks to a doorbell camera recording of a man checking on a neighbor's dog after noticing her absence during his walks. The video, shared on Instagram and TikTok, reveals a touching interaction between the man, Ted, and the dog's owner, showcasing the unexpected yet meaningful connections that animals can inspire in a community.

Ted begins by explaining his concern. "Hi, um, I used to walk my dog along here, and I used to say hello to the German Shepherd that was here," he says, sounding slightly nervous. "I just wanted to make sure she's okay."

"I just wanted to make sure she's okay."

— Concerned neighbor
Keep ReadingShow less
Left to be put down, this senior pup got the happy ending she deserved
Cover Image Source: Facebook | Pennsylvania SPCA

Left to be put down, this senior pup got the happy ending she deserved

Animal shelters see heartbreaking cases every day, but some stand out more than others. In 2010, a pit bull mix named Netty was adopted from a Philadelphia shelter, seemingly on her way to a loving home. Over a decade later, at the age of 15, she found herself back at the same shelter—this time with her owners requesting euthanasia.

media.giphy.com

Keep ReadingShow less
Owners couldn't figure out why their cat avoided its bed. Then they saw the security footage.
Reddit

Owners couldn't figure out why their cat avoided its bed. Then they saw the security footage.

A 22-second black-and-white video posted to Reddit is quietly taking over the internet’s collective heart—and it’s easy to see why. In the short clip, a curious cat hops up onto a toddler’s bed in the middle of the night. The child stirs slightly, then instinctively reaches out, grabs the cat, and pulls it in for a snuggle. The cat, unfazed and clearly used to this nightly ritual, closes its eyes and settles in.

Reddit

Keep ReadingShow less
dog behavior, canine intelligence, dog trust, pet psychology, animal science, dog study, trust in dogs, Akiko Takaoka, Kyoto University, dog memory, lie detection

Dogs know when you're lying, and they're not ok with it.

Your dog knows when you’re lying, and they’re quietly judging you for it

Your dog isn't just watching your every move—they're judging them, too. According to research by Akiko Takaoka of Kyoto University , dogs are a lot better at reading human behavior than we give them credit for. In fact, they know when you're lying. And worse? They remember it.

The experiment that exposed canine trust issues

smart dogs, science of dogs, emotional pets, dog-human bond, trustworthy pets, dog betrayalThey've evolved with us, and dogs know our tricks. Canva

In a clever experiment involving 34 eager and unsuspecting pups, Takaoka and her team put canine social smarts to the test. The setup was simple: most dogs will follow a human’s point to find food. So, first, researchers pointed to containers with treats. The dogs eagerly trotted over, rewarded with snacks and tail wags.

Keep ReadingShow less
A snarling cat and a list of pets from Instagram.

Representative Image: Don't let that face fool you, this guy is a teddy bear.

Their love story includes a deer, a pit bull, and 43 goldfish

Romance doesn’t always come in the form of roses and chocolates. For one extraordinary couple, love took the shape of a deaf pit bull, a reverse-running racehorse, and even a tarantula. Their bond was filled with laughter, compassion, and an ever-growing roster of adopted animals that made their house a home.

Gallusrostromegalus shared the heartwarming list of animals on Tumblr, and it’s safe to say it has enchanted thousands. From wild to whimsical, each animal in their 67-year marriage added something unforgettable to their shared life.

Keep ReadingShow less