A 90-pound Golden Retriever in California may have officially failed guard-dog duty after giving an alleged home intruder an unexpectedly warm welcome.
Nash, a 4-year-old Golden Retriever, was home earlier this month when a stranger allegedly broke into his family’s house in San Diego’s Sherman Heights neighborhood.
According to NBC 7, the man reportedly used a ladder to reach an open second-story window while homeowner Dante Rowley and his family watched the bizarre scene unfold remotely through a security app.
Once inside, the alleged intruder appeared to make himself comfortable.
He reportedly took off his shoes and shirt, sat in the foyer, helped himself to yogurt, turkey and cheese from the refrigerator and even took a nap during the roughly 30 minutes he spent inside the house.
But while Rowley was understandably worried about what was happening, Nash seemed to have a very different idea about the unexpected visitor.
Instead of barking, growling or trying to scare the man away, the Golden Retriever repeatedly walked up to him carrying toys.
Security footage reportedly shows Nash bringing the stranger a toy three separate times, apparently hoping the newcomer might be interested in playing.
“Nash is not the greatest guard dog,” Rowley told NBC 7. “We thought he was going to bark at people and he did the exact opposite.”
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The dog’s reaction quickly became one of the strangest parts of an already bizarre break-in.
Viewers online joked that Nash seemed more interested in making a new friend than protecting the house.
“This is both scary and wholesome all at the same time,” one person wrote.
Another joked that Nash simply wanted to make sure his toy did not disappear.
When police eventually arrived, Nash apparently gave officers the exact same treatment.
The friendly dog reportedly greeted them at the door with a toy in his mouth and his tail wagging.
The alleged intruder was not quite as welcoming.
Police said he tried to escape through a bathroom window, only to discover officers waiting outside in the backyard.
He was taken into custody and reportedly charged with burglary. Authorities said he also had outstanding charges connected to unrelated incidents.
Despite the frightening intrusion, Rowley said he hopes the man receives help.
“We just hope he gets some help honestly,” he told NBC 7.
As for Nash, his family may want to reconsider relying on him for home security.
But when it comes to making absolutely everyone feel welcome, he appears to be very good at his job.