A video of a Chihuahua apparently “talking” on the phone to her owner’s dad has gone viral on Instagram, racking up over 3.8 million views.
The clip, shared to @convoswithbuddy, has been dubbed “unbelievable” by viewers in the comments, shows Buddy lying on a bed while his “grandpa” speaks to him on speakerphone, the device placed right next to the dog’s ear.
“Can you talk to me?” the man asks, prompting Buddy to leap up, wag his tail furiously and make a sound that lands somewhere between barking and growling.
Text added by the owner interprets what Buddy might be saying, turning the exchange into a playful conversation. When the man asks, “Did your mom give you something good for dinner?” the caption reads: “Well, no…not really. Just the same old dog food.”
As Buddy’s vocalizations grow louder, the final line appears, “I’d really like to see you,” with the dog leaning into the phone as if trying to get closer to the voice on the other end.
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Instagram Reacts
The video has earned more than 403,000 likes and over 4,000 comments, with viewers quick to weigh in on Buddy’s clear affection for his canine “grandpa.”
One user wrote: “I’ve learned that dogs genuinely love grandparents like grandparents can do no wrong in their eyes.”
“Dogs and grandparents are the best [combination],” another commented.
A third joked: “He’s telling all your business.”
Others shared similar experiences, with one person writing: “My dog talks to my dad too. Only my dad! N he cries wen he sees him cuz he loves him so much.”
Pets Are Becoming Family for Younger Generations
The viral moment comes as pets increasingly take on family‑like roles for younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Zers.
Millennials—those born between 1981 and 1996—are the demographic most likely to refer to themselves as “mommy” or “daddy” to their pets, with 69 percent of respondents in this age group using those terms, according to research cited in recent surveys.
At the same time, many younger adults are delaying or opting out of traditional family milestones. A 2024 survey of Gen Z respondents in the U.S. and Canada found that 4 in 10 said marriage was not a necessity. Just 38 percent said they would prioritize starting a family over raising a pet, according to a report from the website Best Ontario Casino Sites.
As pets increasingly step into emotional and familial roles, moments like Buddy’s phone call resonate deeply with owners who see their dogs as family rather than just pets.
Newsweek reached out to @convoswithbuddy for comment via Instagram. We could not verify the details of the case.