Some dogs want nothing to do with water, while others seem to be born for it. For one Newfoundland, a first trip to the ocean looked less like a new experience and more like coming home.
The dog’s family drove 35 hours so she could see the ocean for the very first time, and the moment she arrived, her instincts appeared to take over.
“Just drove 35 hours in the car for her to swim in the ocean for the very first time,” the text at the beginning of the video explains.
As soon as the massive pup spotted the water, she raced straight toward it.
“She ran right to it like the ocean called to her,” the video continued.
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The Newfoundland happily splashed into the waves and began swimming as though she had done it her entire life. Her excitement was impossible to miss, and by the end of the visit, her family apparently had trouble convincing her to leave.
“Could barely get her to come back home, lol,” the final text read.
Viewers immediately fell in love with the joyful dog and her unforgettable reaction.
“Big precious baby, I wanna give her a smooch,” commenter @karlysyverson wrote.
Another viewer, @Morbid bliss, had a more dramatic solution.
“Welp, time to move!” they joked.
Considering how happy the pup looked in the ocean, relocating closer to the water might not be such a bad idea.
Newfoundlands’ love of swimming is deeply connected to the breed’s history. The powerful dogs originated in Newfoundland, where they worked alongside fishermen.
They were bred to perform demanding jobs, including helping haul in catches and pulling goods to market. That history helped make Newfoundlands hardworking, fearless and eager to cooperate.
Although most modern Newfoundlands no longer spend their days working on fishing boats, their natural attraction to water remains strong.
The breed has also become famous for water rescue. According to the American Kennel Club, stories have long been told of the powerful, bear-like dogs braving freezing seas to save stranded fishermen and boaters.
One Newfoundland even accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Their calm, gentle personalities also make them excellent therapy dogs, according to the AKC.
When this Newfoundland finally reached the ocean, she was not simply discovering a new place. She was reconnecting with the instincts and history her breed has carried for generations.