We all know it โ dogs are adorable. Not only are they โmanโs best friend,โ but theyโre pretty intelligent. Studies suggest that dogs can understand human emotion. Theyโre 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 thatโs cracked the codes to her ownerโs attention. An innovator in every sense of the word.


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 mouthโs a potential victim. Here she is with a box of toothpasteโฆ
Maybe she needs to brush her teeth?


She has absolutely no shame, but it doesnโt matter โ sheโs adorable.
Even valuables are susceptible to Stellaโs tactics. Phones are often caught in the cross hairs โ another reason you should always use a phone case.


Itโs 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 Stellaโs behavior:
โMy dog, Stella, is about a year and a half now and she has developed this habit where if she feels she isnโt getting enough attention, sheโll pick up anything in site to make you tend to her.โ
Fortunately, sheโs pretty careful. Sheโs gentle and loving by nature. Even reading glasses can survive her clutches, unscathed.


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


As shown before, television remotes are some of her most common victims. Nothing a few disinfectant wipes canโt fix. I wonder if sheโs learned how to use it yet?
Maybe she just wants to watch her stories.


Sheโll 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, andโฆ a giant crayon?


No matter what, itโs beyond cute. And honestly, Travis has some prettyโฆ 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:


Clothingโs no exception. Hats are common victims, too. Maybe she just needs help putting it on. Things arenโt so easy without opposable thumbs.


Stella knows what she wants. And she knows how to get what she wants. In crucial moments โ if needed โ sheโll bring out the puppy eyes, of course holding a different item.
The combination is formidable.


Itโs basically impossible to say no to that.
Stellaโs found an ingenious method of getting peopleโs attention. Other dogs may revert to barking or annoyance, but Stellaโs better than that. Sheโs surely one smart dog.
Stellaโs an innovator, sending a clear, easily repeatable message. Her human counterparts know exactly when she needs something.
But I wonder if sheโd 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 sheโs holding. Regardless, Stellaโs one unique dog.
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