The natural response to witnessing a genuine connection between two humans is to either squirm uncomfortably or mock them relentlessly while secretly longing to someday have a relationship that isn’t completely defined by detached irony and mutual distastes.
Dogs are different, though. We want dogs to be happy, if only because we don’t have to compete with them for jobs, success, or romantic relationships. And this dog? This dog is very, very happy. The below video was recorded a few weeks ago, as Jackson the dog and his owner cruised Pawtuckaway Lake in New Hampshire. So contented by the cool breeze and undulating waves, Jackson closed his eyes and rested his snout on his owner’s shoulder.
And, for 36 seconds at least, everything was as it should be.