When a golden retriever named Buzz injured his paw during a backyard play session, his recovery took a heartwarming turn that captured the internet’s attention. A gentle moment shared between Buzz and his “grandma” has now gone viral, with millions of viewers touched by the simple act of choosing a stuffed animal to lift his spirits. For those who understand the emotional intelligence of dogs, it’s no surprise that this quiet, tender exchange resonated so deeply. Buzz’s story is a beautiful example of the bond between dogs and their humans, and how even small gestures can carry great meaning.

The now-famous video begins with Buzz, still limping from his injury, carefully inspecting three plush toys laid out before him. His owner, Grace Dower, shared the clip on TikTok, not expecting much. “I almost didn’t post it,” she told PEOPLE. “I thought, ‘This is just a cute moment.’” But the response was anything but ordinary. With over 2.2 million views, Buzz’s gentle decision-making and clear affection for his “stuffies” struck a chord with viewers around the world.

Grace adopted Buzz in 2022 during her junior year of college. From the beginning, she noticed something special in his demeanor. She describes him as emotionally aware, affectionate, and polite—traits that shine through in the video and have helped earn him a devoted online following. Rather than barking or jumping, Buzz greets visitors with one of his beloved toys in his mouth, a quiet welcome that speaks volumes about his personality.

Buzz’s taste in toys is specific: only the softest, plushest stuffed animals will do. Grace purchases them from the children’s section, knowing that’s what he prefers. Remarkably, he never destroys them. Instead, he carries them gently, treating each one with care. I found this detail striking—it’s a small but powerful reflection of his nature, one that viewers clearly connected with.

The video was filmed over the Fourth of July weekend at Grace’s parents' home in New York. Buzz had been spending time there while Grace was traveling, enjoying what she describes as a “month-long doggy vacation.” He swam daily, relaxed on the daybed, and soaked in the affection of his extended family. When he began limping after a play session with the family’s other dogs—his “cousins,” as Grace affectionately calls them—a vet visit confirmed that rest and medication were needed.

During his recovery, Grace’s mom noticed some leftover stuffed animals from a party and suggested letting Buzz choose one before he returned home. She even encouraged Grace to film it. What followed was a soft, spontaneous moment: Buzz, tender paw and all, gently selecting his new favorite toy. The clip’s quiet sincerity is likely what made it so shareable. It wasn’t staged or overly sentimental—it was simply real.

Grace has been amazed by the response. “I never imagined something so simple would resonate like this,” she said. Comments poured in from dog lovers sharing their own stories, memories of pets they’ve lost, or just offering well wishes for Buzz’s recovery. According to Grace, the kindness of the online community was overwhelming. “99.9% of the comments were just so kind,” she noted, highlighting how the video seemed to tap into something universal about the way people love their pets.

Buzz’s gentle soul and his love for soft toys have made him an unlikely internet star, but his story is about more than just a viral video. It’s a reminder of the quiet ways we show love to our animals—and how they, in turn, show love to us. As Grace put it, “They’re just the sweetest creatures. People get so emotional about dogs, and they should. They really are family.”

That sense of family is evident in how Grace’s parents have embraced their role as dog grandparents. Their home became a haven for Buzz during the summer, filled with swimming, naps, and affection. Grace’s mom, in particular, shares a special bond with Buzz, one rooted in generosity and care. Her simple act of laying out toys for him to choose from wasn’t just a way to cheer him up—it was an expression of love.

While some viewers asked where they could send Buzz more stuffed animals, Grace hopes the attention can inspire something broader. “My wish is that people support their local animal shelters,” she said. She’s donated Buzz’s extra toys and food in the past and sees this as an opportunity to encourage others to do the same.

Buzz’s story may have started with an injured paw, but it’s become something much larger. It’s about empathy, connection, and the deep emotional lives of the animals we call family. In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, this quiet moment—a dog choosing a plush toy with care—served as a gentle reminder of what truly matters.

Read more at people.com