Laughter As Dog Can’t Understand Why Human-Shaped Statues Don’t Stroke Him

A heartwarming video capturing the charming antics of a dog delightfully confusing outdoor statues for real people has gone viral on TikTok.
The video—posted from @winters.tail, the TikTok account of a pup called Winter—has garnered 1.6 million views since it was shared August 23. The moment was captured in Australia, according to a location shared with the post.
Winter, a border collie with cerebellar abiotrophy—a neurological condition affecting coordination and balance—is seen enthusiastically interacting with the statues as if they were humans.
The clip begins with Winter running up to a statue in a park, her tail wagging excitedly as she looks up at it. She then moves on to another statue nearby, wiggling in anticipation. In the background, her owner’s giggling says: “They’re not real bubby… Winter, come here, I’ll pat you.”
A caption accompanying the video reads “I am still laughing over this video of my dog confusing these statues for hoomans.”
While Winter may have not been able to recognize the statues as inanimate objects, canines are more than capable of recognizing their favorite humans through their sense of smell, which is “a principle sensory modality for dogs,” said a January 2020 study published in the International Journal of Comparative Psychology.
The study, which was conducted using natural body odor captured on a T-shirt, found that “dogs habituated to a familiar odor and dishabituated to an unfamiliar odor.”
In a September 2020 article for Psychology Today, Daniel Marston, a licensed psychologist specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy, explained that what’s especially interesting about that study was that “it addressed how dogs reacted and used the smell of a familiar person even if that person was not actually there.”
A June 2015 article published by Cesars Way, the website of American dog behaviorist Cesar Milan, known from the television series Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, noted that smell is “the most significant way that dogs interact with the world.”
TikTok users were quick to share their love for the dog in the viral video, with many delighted by Winter’s reaction to the statues. Savannah Skye commented “This is so cute but it breaks my heart she isn’t getting pats from the statues.” Another user, Domskie, added “Oh that’s the cutest and most wholesome thing I’ve ever seen.”
Among other heartwarming responses, user @zlammed33 wrote “It’s so cute she doesn’t seem bothered they’re not petting her. ‘I’ll just continue being myself until they’re ready.'” Meanwhile, Gibson Mitchell remarked on Winter’s endearing energy, noting “The absolute crazy in Winter’s eyes just wanting to be patted.” Mila Bee humorously suggested “These statues better come to life and pet Winter immediately.”
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
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