Monty the Golden Retriever puppy and his favorite stuffed llama are so perfectly matched that they almost look like twins.
The adorable three-legged pup has completely charmed viewers with a video showing him sitting beside his fluffy best friend, a stuffed llama wearing a tiny traditional chullo hat.
“He has 3 legs and 1 emotional support llama,” the video’s caption reads.
Monty and his stuffed companion are nearly the same height, but it is the puppy’s squishy face and gentle expression that truly steal the show.
Golden Retrievers are already favorites on TikTok, but viewers appeared to fall especially hard for little Monty.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
“Omg, Monty, I do love you. Don’t grow up too fast, please!” one person wrote.
“They’re the same height,” another viewer pointed out.
Other fans begged Monty’s owner to continue sharing updates, especially because the growing Golden Retriever will likely tower over his llama friend within a matter of months.
Monty’s owner previously revealed that the puppy was born with an underdeveloped leg that never grew properly.
The limb was later amputated because leaving it in place could have caused pain, discomfort or problems if it became caught on something.
Because Monty was so young when he became a tripod dog, life on three legs is the only life he has ever known.
Many three-legged dogs adapt remarkably well after an amputation. They can continue running, walking, playing and even performing tricks without experiencing the same emotional distress that a person might feel after losing a limb.
Some tripod dogs have even returned to competitive activities.
Rascal, a well-known dog whose rear leg was amputated, continued participating in American Kennel Club events after surgery. Because he had already received agility training, he was able to return to the activity once he recovered.
However, not every three-legged dog will want or need to take part in demanding exercise.
Regular movement is still important, but maintaining a healthy weight is especially critical for tripod dogs. Carrying excess weight can place additional strain on their remaining legs and joints.
Monty does not appear interested in letting his missing leg slow him down.
For now, the sweet puppy is busy playing, growing and cuddling beside the emotional support llama that has been with him through it all.