Golden Retriever Grabs the Biggest Stick He Could Find, and We're Obsessed

Golden Retrievers are notorious for their love of fetch and for retrieving a variety of items, from tennis balls to small sticks. But this pup found one of the biggest sticks he could find for playtime.

In a video posted to TikTok, a dog named Shipley found a massive tree branch with its leaves intact and excitedly carried it back home to play with. In the video, the dog, known as the "branch manager," didn't seem to struggle as he carried it back home.

@goldenshipley

stick of the day #goldenretriever#dogsoftiktok#dogmoms

original sound - ｃａｓｅｙ

This is also not the first big branch that Shipley found in the yard. His parent posted several other videos of him carrying other comically large branches home to use as his sticks for playtime. Some of the branches are so large, they drag on the ground as he carries them back.

SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends

Users absolutely loved his determination to carry each branch home for playtime, no matter how large they were. "The bigger the better," one user wrote in response to the branch's size. Another user said, "That's a provider right there. Rushing to build a home ."

"It has been retrieved," another user joked, while one person also said, "My golden would probably do the same thing!"

Others questioned whether he was trying to "build a dam" with that large stick, and one person also joked that the sweet pup was saying, "Mum, I've got myself a TREE, LOOK ."

Why do dogs love to play fetch?

A dog's love of fetch stems from their instinctive behavior and a love of physical activity, such as running.

According to Britannica, "fetch engages a dog's natural instincts, especially in breeds that were originally bred for retrieving and herding." Dog breeds like the Golden Retriever were bred to be hunters, and their innate drive to hunt and "retrieve" also plays a role in this behavior.

For dogs, fetch also helps with their long-term physical health and can improve their "balance and reflexes."

Britannica explains, "Fetch allows dogs to run, jump, and expend energy in a controlled and enjoyable manner. This physical activity is crucial for preventing behavioral issues, such as chewing or excessive barking, that can arise from pent-up energy. It also helps in enhancing coordination and agility."

Fetch also allows dogs to bond with their people and feed their love of human interaction and playtime. It "fosters a sense of teamwork and mutual enjoyment," and the "positive reinforcement" that dogs get from the game brings them closer to their pet parents and makes the game even more exciting.

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 4:05 PM.