Most of us get a little uneasy about visiting the doctor. Blood draws, exams, and the long wait outside the office often give us goosebumps.
Dogs aren’t much different. The vet’s office can be an intimidating place, with strange smells, new people, and the occasional needle.
But some pups break the mold — sitting calmly, even happily, while they wait. One such dog even found her own way to stay entertained: by watching her favorite show.
Calmly Enjoying Her Squirrel Show
Akira, a Golden Retriever, is a dog who loves all the usual things — playing fetch, cuddles, and spending time with her humans.
But she has a special quirk that makes her stand out. Mel Cies, the hospital manager at VCA Panther Lake Veterinary in Washington, got to witness it firsthand.
While most dogs fidget nervously before their appointment, Akira sat serenely in the waiting room, completely absorbed in watching squirrel videos on her dad’s iPhone.
“Never in my 7 years working in the vet industry as a hospital manager have I seen a dog so calm at the vet!” Cies said in an interview with The Dodo. “It was so amazing!”
The sight was so unusual that Cies couldn’t resist recording the adorable scene.
Squirrels Always Make Her Happy
Word spread quickly about this calm Golden Retriever who eased her vet visit nerves with a squirrel show.
Curious fans wanted to know her secret.
Akira’s dad, Darin Beam, explained that one of her favorite pastimes is watching squirrels in their backyard. When she’s focused on squirrels, nothing else can distract her.
Realizing this, Darin began playing squirrel videos whenever Akira needed to relax or sit still.
“If we ever need her to stay still, we show her a squirrel video,” Beam told The Dodo.
Of course, Akira’s life isn’t all screen time. She also loves playing outdoors and snuggling with her parents.
“Akira has really been a blessing!” Beam said. “My wife couldn’t imagine life without her now!”
And unlike many dogs who dread vet visits, Akira will always be remembered as the pup who stayed calm — thanks to her love of squirrels.