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Sweet retriever picks up odd things around the house when she needs more attention
Stella the golden retriever can easily communicate her needs. Her attention-grabbing innovation is ahead of its time in dog years.
Blake Hyatt
05.20.20

We all know it – dogs are adorable. Not only are they “man’s best friend,” but they’re pretty intelligent. Studies suggest that dogs can understand human emotion. They’re capable of reading moods, tones, and even facial expressions.

When it comes to getting food or playtime, some dogs are expert manipulators, using every trick in the book to get their way. The puppy eyes are a classic example. But others have invented entirely new modes of grabbing attention and signaling need.

Meet Stella, a cunning golden retriever that’s cracked the codes to her owner’s attention. An innovator in every sense of the word.

Twitter/Travis Zander
Source:
Twitter/Travis Zander

You see, when Stella needs attention, she proceeds to pick up any given household item and bring it to her human companion Travis.

Any regular household item that can fit in her mouth’s a potential victim. Here she is with a box of toothpaste…

Maybe she needs to brush her teeth?

Twitter/Travis Zander
Source:
Twitter/Travis Zander

She has absolutely no shame, but it doesn’t matter – she’s adorable.

Even valuables are susceptible to Stella’s tactics. Phones are often caught in the cross hairs – another reason you should always use a phone case.

Twitter/Travis Zander
Source:
Twitter/Travis Zander

It’s almost like a strange game of fetch. Just wash the item off before next use and no harm done (hopefully).

Travis posted the following on Twitter, explaining Stella’s behavior:

“My dog, Stella, is about a year and a half now and she has developed this habit where if she feels she isn’t getting enough attention, she’ll pick up anything in site to make you tend to her.”

Fortunately, she’s pretty careful. She’s gentle and loving by nature. Even reading glasses can survive her clutches, unscathed.

Twitter/Travis Zander
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Twitter/Travis Zander

Be careful with what you leave lying around. With that said, it might be futile – even concealed goods are susceptible. Stella appears to know how to raid the fridge.

Want a beer?

Twitter/Travis Zander
Source:
Twitter/Travis Zander

As shown before, television remotes are some of her most common victims. Nothing a few disinfectant wipes can’t fix. I wonder if she’s learned how to use it yet?

Maybe she just wants to watch her stories.

Twitter/Travis Zander
Source:
Twitter/Travis Zander

She’ll pick up literally anything within the realm of physical possibility. Travis has posted photos of her holding a ketchup bottle, shoes, concealed fly rods, glasses, hats, and… a giant crayon?

Twitter/Travis Zander
Source:
Twitter/Travis Zander

No matter what, it’s beyond cute. And honestly, Travis has some pretty… unique items lying around.

Nowhere is off limits to Stella, including the bathroom. Her scavenger hunts know no bounds. Here she is with what appears to be a 2-in-1 stick of deodorant:

Twitter/Travis Zander
Source:
Twitter/Travis Zander

Clothing’s no exception. Hats are common victims, too. Maybe she just needs help putting it on. Things aren’t so easy without opposable thumbs.

Twitter/Travis Zander
Source:
Twitter/Travis Zander

Stella knows what she wants. And she knows how to get what she wants. In crucial moments – if needed – she’ll bring out the puppy eyes, of course holding a different item.

The combination is formidable.

Twitter/Travis Zander
Source:
Twitter/Travis Zander

It’s basically impossible to say no to that.

Stella’s found an ingenious method of getting people’s attention. Other dogs may revert to barking or annoyance, but Stella’s better than that. She’s surely one smart dog.

Stella’s an innovator, sending a clear, easily repeatable message. Her human counterparts know exactly when she needs something.

But I wonder if she’d prefer one single, recurring item? Like a readily available chew toy, or something. Something like that would make things a little less hazardous, both to her and the item she’s holding. Regardless, Stella’s one unique dog.

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