Whiskey is the kind of dog who makes the countdown to Christmas feel wonderfully serious. In a viral clip that has been melting hearts online, the cheerful retriever starts her day the same way. She heads straight for the fireplace and checks her Christmas stocking, just in case Santa decided to come early.
Whiskey is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and her routine is equal parts hopeful and hilarious. She sits with her ears perked up, watching the mantel like it is the most important job in the house. Then she moves in closer, sniffing a plaid stocking shaped like a bone. Every so often, she turns to look at her owner, as if she is waiting for a signal that today is finally the day.
The video was shared on Instagram by Amber Aquart, a dog trainer from Washington who posts under the handle @whiskeytoller. The charm is in the details, from Whiskey’s careful little pause before she leans in, to the way she keeps checking back for reassurance. It feels like a tiny holiday tradition that has been happening long before the camera came out, which is probably why it landed so strongly with viewers.
As the story spread, the comments section quickly turned into a group effort to make sure Whiskey’s patience did not go unrewarded. People begged for daily presents and insisted that someone should put something in her stocking immediately. Others joked that for good dogs like this, Christmas should be every day of the year. The clip quickly gathered tens of thousands of likes and a flood of comments from people clearly invested in Whiskey’s festive mission.
There is something extra sweet about how universal this feels. Humans love traditions, and dogs love patterns, so a daily stocking check becomes a little shared ritual that builds anticipation. Even if Whiskey does not fully understand the calendar, she understands the vibe, the decorations, the attention, and the promise that something fun is coming. That hopeful glance toward her owner says everything.
Have you ever caught your pet getting involved in your holiday traditions in a surprisingly determined way? Share your cutest seasonal routines in the comments.
