A nine-year-old golden retriever named Maverick has become an unexpected internet favorite after a video captured him doing something many people can relate to. He is sitting upright in the living room with his owner, the TV on in the background, looking perfectly composed at first glance. Then the gentle back scratching starts, and his determination to stay awake begins to crumble in the sweetest way. The clip was shared on Instagram on the profile @maverickthegoldennn, and it is basically a masterclass in pure relaxation.
Maverick starts off like he is trying to be polite about it, keeping his posture steady and his head lifted. Within seconds, his eyelids get heavy and his blinks slow down, as if he is negotiating with sleep one blink at a time. It is the kind of drowsy fight that looks almost human, like a child insisting they are not tired while clearly drifting off. You can hear his owner quietly laughing behind the camera as the moment gets more and more adorable.
As the scratching continues, Maverick looks completely content, eyes half closed and face soft with comfort. Near the end of the video, his owner leans in and asks him, “Are you okay?” through a laugh. Maverick responds the only way a dog on the edge of a nap can, by slowly turning his head toward her with a look that says he is present, but only barely. It is a tiny movement, but it lands like a punchline because it is so earnest and so sleepy.
People in the comments seemed to agree that Maverick’s day must have been exhausting in the best possible way. Several viewers joked that he looked like he had entered a full-on food coma, with some playfully blaming a hearty dinner. Others simply pointed out how worn out he seemed, as if being that lovable all day is serious work. Someone summed up the vibe perfectly by implying that life is tough when you spend your hours being adorable.
There is something comforting about a video like this, especially because it is so ordinary. A dog, a couch, a familiar routine, and a little bit of affection that turns into a nap without warning. Maverick’s sleepy stubbornness is a reminder that the smallest moments with pets often become the ones people want to replay again and again.
Have you ever caught your pet falling asleep in a ridiculously cute position, or do they have a specific “instant nap” trigger? Share your stories in the comments.
