If you’ve ever owned a golden retriever during summer, you know the struggle is real. Kevin Bubolz of Arlington, Virginia has turned that struggle into comedy gold—and the internet is absolutely here for it.
In a viral TikTok video that’s racked up over 430,000 likes, Bubolz walks through the honest, hilarious reality of keeping his two goldens, Ellie and Emma, comfortable when temperatures soar. The progression is relatable to any pet owner who’s ever felt the weight of responsibility mixed with pure absurdity. First comes the responsible stuff: he tests the pavement with his bare feet before letting the pups walk on it, keeps them turning to avoid prolonged sun exposure on one side, and naturally, schedules beach trips for cooling sea swims and fetch sessions.
But things get gloriously funny when Bubolz brings out the heavy artillery. Decked out in a winter jacket and hat, he cranks his car’s air conditioning to full arctic blast—and watches Ellie settle in with visible bliss. Then comes the watermelon offering, where he tells Ellie and Emma to take small bites. Spoiler alert: they don’t understand the concept of portion control, and his baffled expression as their pieces vanish instantly is peak dog-owner energy. He even tries sprinkling kibble into their water to coax them to drink, a move that screams “I’ve tried everything.”
The grand finale? Ice cream. Pure, unadulterated ice cream bliss, and Bubolz can only grin as his furry friends dive in with the kind of joy that justifies every ridiculous thing he’s done to keep them cool. Over three million views in just days tells you everything you need to know: dog owners everywhere recognize themselves in this man’s dedication to canine comfort, no matter how much it costs his dignity.
Because that’s the unspoken agreement when you bring a golden retriever into your life. Your thermostat? Their thermostat now.
