Adorable and Needy: Shih Tzu Tries Everything to Convince His Owner Not to Go to Work

Our reader Mari is the proud owner of a Shih Tzu named Wafer. This 9-year-old pup has a strong personality — and when we say strong, we mean it. Why, you ask?

Well, whenever he doesn’t want his mom to leave the house, he literally puts his paw down — and we mean that quite literally!

And the best part: his owner recorded it and sent it to Amo Meu Pet (our Brazilian website about pet news) via WhatsApp, so we could share it with you. I can tell you beforehand: it’s really cute!

On a typical Friday, Mari was leaving home to go to work. However, Wafer positioned himself next to the safety gate, preventing his owner from closing it and clearly displaying his disapproval of her leaving.

“So, Mommy is going to work, okay?” Mari said to the dog, in an attempt to make him understand her need to leave.

However, that excuse wasn’t enough for Wafer. He allowed Mari to start closing the little gate — but just before she could latch it shut, he slipped one of his front paws through the gap and pulled the gate right back toward himself.

I told you he had a strong personality!

“I needed to go back to work after lunch, and he simply wouldn’t let me close the gate we use when he’s home alone.”

Mari tried to close it again, but he wouldn’t let her, and that happened many times. I think Wafer was trying to win by wearing her out. However, since the responsibility of work was calling, Mari couldn’t give in to her pet’s wishes. Poor Wafer!

With a heavy heart, the woman says goodbye to the dog, begging him not to be upset, and tells him she loves him so much!

I think these moments are always hard for pet owners, right?

“Once I finally managed to close the gate, he just stood there, looking at me with those sad puppy eyes.”

Mari says that, despite the dog’s age, he has a lot of energy, “especially when he’s trying not to be left out of something. Unfortunately, we can’t take him to work,” she concluded.

Check it out:

Oh, poor baby! Thankfully, it was Friday, so this cutie had the entire weekend to enjoy with his beloved human.

Why don’t dogs like it when their owners leave the house?

According to Tails.com, some dogs don’t like it when their owners leave the house because of a strong emotional bond. Separation anxiety is common because they feel anxious when left alone.

Providing adequate stimulation, training, and safety, in addition to gradually getting them used to outings, can help. Interactive toys, TV or music playing, a consistent routine, and moments of exercise and social interaction can reduce anxiety.

Each dog is unique, but understanding their individual needs and finding appropriate approaches is essential for dealing with separation in a healthy way.