Golden Retriever Left Behind at Daycare Has the Saddest Little Look

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Lincoln the Golden Retriever’s Viral Daycare Moment Melts Hearts

Lincoln is not your average Golden Retriever — he’s a joyful, water-loving pup from Tennessee who brings sunshine wherever he goes. At just a few years old, he’s already built a happy rhythm to his days, especially when it comes to his daycare routine. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are his favorite: playtime with friends, cuddles from his handlers, and the excitement of waiting for his human, Meghan, to arrive. But one day, a small delay turned into a story that would capture hearts around the world.

Lincoln’s morning started like any other at Pleasant View Pet Spa and Country Boarding Retreat. Tail wagging and full of energy, he bounded into the playroom, greeting staff and friends with enthusiasm. As the day wound down, the dogs were picked up one by one, until only Lincoln remained. Meghan, caught in a late work call, was running behind schedule.

As the room grew quiet and the lights dimmed, Lincoln sat beside Holly, one of his handlers. Security footage captured the tender moment that soon went viral — Lincoln’s tail stilled, his head drooped, and his golden fur seemed to weigh heavy with sadness. Holly gently put her arms around him, comforting the sweet pup who clearly missed his mom.

When the daycare shared the video on TikTok, it resonated instantly. Millions of viewers connected with Lincoln’s quiet heartbreak, comparing it to being “the last kid picked up from school.” Comments flooded in:
“Looks directly at camera: ‘Mom, you seeing this? I’m terribly traumatized by being left behind.’”
“I know his pain — I used to hate being the last one picked up in kindergarten.”

At 5:45 p.m., just before closing, Meghan arrived. The moment Lincoln saw her, his entire body lit up. His tail thumped, his paws scrambled with excitement, and his earlier sadness vanished. Meghan, moved to tears after watching the footage later, made sure to spoil her golden boy with extra love — treats, a pup cup, and plenty of snuggles.

A family in Seattle dropped their dog, a black lab named Mitch, off at a local kennel one day, not expecting anything unusual to occur. But Mitch's stay at the kennel ended with an employee brutally kicking and punching him - to the point of death.

Lincoln’s story didn’t just warm hearts; it reminded millions that dogs experience deep emotion and loyalty. Since joining Meghan’s family in late 2022 — alongside her late senior dog, Oliver, who helped raise him — Lincoln has grown into an affectionate, trusting companion who embodies everything beautiful about a dog’s love.

His daycare moment might have been small, but it said something big: dogs love us deeply, wait for us faithfully, and forgive us endlessly.