Have you ever wondered what your dog really does while you’re not home?
Most pet parents imagine their pups napping, chewing toys, or maybe getting into a little mischief. I usually take my dogs wherever I can, but sometimes they have to stay behind and keep the house company.
I’ve never thought about installing cameras inside my home. The outdoor ones watching the entrances seemed enough. Still, I occasionally wonder what my dogs might get up to when no one’s watching.
One woman in Durham, North Carolina, decided to find out. She installed a camera inside her home to monitor her ten-year-old Labrador, Sundae, while she was away.
What she discovered touched her heart and soon captured the attention of millions online.
A Curious Mystery
Sundae’s mom had always been puzzled by one thing: why did she keep finding random household items, like socks, shirts, shoes, and even ChapStick, tucked neatly into her dog’s bed whenever she returned home?
The loyal black Lab seemed to have a habit of collecting anything that smelled like her owner.
Her mom explained, “When I’d leave her home, even if it was just for a little bit, I’d come back and she’d have my shoes, socks, basically any piece of clothing and sometimes random things like ChapStick in her bed. I’d never actually seen her in the act of putting stuff in her bed, and was just really curious to see how she does it.”
Determined to solve the mystery, she set up an indoor camera to record Sundae’s behavior when she was alone.
The first test came sooner than expected. Her mom had to make a quick grocery run, leaving Sundae by herself for a short while. The camera, which had motion detection, sent alerts to her phone whenever something moved.
Curious, she opened the live feed. Was Sundae rummaging through laundry? Racing around the house? Or making a mess?
What appeared on the screen was far more touching.
Sundae quietly walked to the front door, curled up on the floor, and waited. Each time she shifted positions, the motion detector pinged another alert.
“Every time she repositioned by the door, I would get a notification,” Sundae’s mom said. “My heart literally broke; I was tearing up in the grocery store watching her wait for me.”
Instead of causing chaos, Sundae simply missed her mom and spent the entire time waiting for her return.
@sundaetheblacklab I’m never leaving her alone again 🥺
♬ Home – Edith Whiskers
Now, whenever possible, Sundae’s mom takes her along on errands. Many stores in their area are dog-friendly, so the loyal Lab gets to tag along more often than before.
A Viral Sensation
The heartwarming footage of Sundae patiently waiting by the door quickly went viral on TikTok, drawing millions of views and thousands of emotional comments.
Dog lovers from around the world shared stories of their own pups’ devotion and separation anxiety.
But this wasn’t Sundae’s first brush with internet fame. The fashionable Lab had already built a small following thanks to her fun dress-up videos and creative wardrobe.
It all started when Sundae developed a rash from ant bites. Her mom had to apply medicated ointment to her belly, but keeping a dog from licking a sore spot can be nearly impossible.
Since the “cone of shame” wasn’t an option, her mom came up with a creative alternative.
She cut up an old pair of sweatpants and dressed Sundae in them to protect her skin.
To everyone’s surprise, Sundae loved it. What began as a temporary fix soon became her signature style.
Before long, Sundae had her own closet full of outfits, accessories, and even wigs. She proudly showed off each new look in photos and videos, quickly winning the hearts of her online followers.
@sundaetheblacklab Pick up your kids on time..Ms Sundae got things to do 🗣️
♬ Ain't Nobody – Rufus & Chaka Khan
Her unique style, combined with her loving nature, made Sundae a fan favorite. Every new post featuring her outfits or sweet moments earned thousands of likes and heartfelt comments.
Despite the attention and fame, Sundae’s true charm lies in her gentle heart. Beneath the cute clothes and fun videos, she’s simply a devoted companion who misses her mom whenever she’s away.
What began as a simple curiosity ended up revealing something beautiful: a picture of unconditional love.
While many people install cameras hoping to catch their pets in silly or naughty behavior, Sundae’s mom instead witnessed the purest form of loyalty.
Sundae’s quiet patience reminded everyone who saw the video of one powerful truth: dogs don’t just fill our homes; they fill our hearts.
And sometimes, the sweetest surprises come from the moments we least expect.