A video of a retired service dog named Arlo has melted hearts online, after footage showed the senior Labrador finding a new way to let his owners know when it is time to eat.
The TikTok clip, shared by owner Tania Pena (@tania.pena33), has earned more than 539,000 views. It shows 15-year-old Arlo lying on his bed in the living room, positioned in front of the TV, gently barking to get attention.
Text overlaid on the video explains that Arlo “lets us know when it’s time to eat,” usually when he sees his brother head into the kitchen. In the caption, Pena explained that Arlo never used to bark, but, as he has aged and begun walking “less and less,” he has found his voice as a way to communicate his needs.
Finding His Voice in Old Age
The American Kennel Club (AKC) says slowing down is a common sign of aging in dogs. Senior canines may struggle with stairs, jumping into the car, or getting up after resting, and some develop weakness in their back legs.
While some physical decline is considered normal, mobility issues can also be linked to arthritis or other degenerative conditions.
The AKC notes that exercise for older dogs often needs to be adjusted, with shorter and gentler activities—such as swimming—being more appropriate than long walks or high-impact play.
A Life of Service
In another video shared on the account, Pena revealed Arlo’s past as a working dog. The caption explains that Arlo was a Seeing Eye dog for her husband.
It also recounts the emotional moment Arlo officially retired from service.
The caption said: “We were at the airport where his Poppa was about to take a flight to where he would meet and train with his new Seeing Eye dog. My husband took Arlo’s harness off and told him you are free. Arlo didn’t understand.
“When Arlo saw his Poppa get in the plane without him, he cried. He cried the entire way out of the airport. A few weeks later we met my husband’s new Seeing Eye dog, which is now Arlo’s brother. It took time for Arlo to get used to him not being a working dog any more. Eventually he got used to seeing his brother go to work with Poppa.”
TikTok Reacts
So far, the January 25 post has over 34,000 likes and more than 900 comments, with viewers praising Arlo’s gentle personality and long life of service.
“Even his bark is gentle and polite. Sweet Arlo,” one user commented.
Another added: “You are now his service animal.”
Some users, however, raised concerns about Arlo’s quality of life. According to the AKC, Labradors typically live between 11 and 12 years, meaning Arlo has already surpassed the breed’s average life span.
“Please don’t be cruel it’s always about quality of life not quantity. Allow him dignity,” one person wrote.
Pena responded directly to the comment: “We love Arlo and treat him as part of the family. We cook organic food for him and give him the best care we can. As any aging family member, we believe God decides when his life should end not us. That is dignity and not cruelty. Arlo is a happy boy because he knows we love him unconditionally and we are always there for him.”
As Arlo continues to enjoy retirement surrounded by family, his soft bark and impeccable dinner timing has turned him into an unlikely TikTok star, reminding viewers just how powerful the bond between people and their dogs can be, even in their twilight years.
Newsweek reached out to @tania.pena33 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.