A Florida woman decided to get a miniature dachshund as an emotional support animal to help manage her own anxiety. She named the tiny dog Beans and hoped the pet would bring calm into her life. Instead the plan took an unexpected turn when Beans turned out to display plenty of nervous behavior herself. A video Megan shared on Instagram quickly went viral showing the dachshund lying tense on the couch with wide eyes scanning the room as if waiting for something to go wrong.
In the clip caption Megan wrote “This is Beans. I got her for emotional support and now both of us are anxious.” She added “They told me to get a dog because of anxiety. They didn’t tell me it shouldn’t be a dachshund. This is what it looks like after I looked at her wrong for two seconds.” The short recording perfectly captured the dog’s dramatic reaction to even the smallest perceived slight. Viewers immediately connected with the humorous mismatch between expectation and reality.
Megan later explained to Newsweek that the video accurately reflects Beans everyday personality. “She’s known for her expressive reactions intense feelings and piercing gaze all in a tiny body” she said. “She takes her role as the main character very seriously.” Megan emphasized that Beans is genuinely sweet and affectionate but also carries a theatrical streak that many people find relatable. The combination of vulnerability and over-the-top responses made the post resonate widely.
Within days the video racked up more than 5.2 million views and over 523000 likes on Instagram. Commenters flooded the post with their own stories of pets that seemed to mirror their owners emotional struggles. One person joked “Poor Beans she’s just trying her best despite all the expectations you placed on her.” Another summed it up perfectly “Our emotional support dogs need emotional support dogs.”
While Beans dramatic flair is mostly playful many dogs do experience genuine anxiety. Experts from the organization Dogs Trust point out that stress signals in canines can be subtle at first. Owners should watch for behaviors like slowing movements turning away excessive licking crouching or hesitant paw lifting. More obvious signs include trembling panting unrelated to heat pacing and conflicting approach-avoidance actions.
If stress escalates dogs may stiffen growl or even snap as a defensive response to fear. Recognizing these cues early allows owners to remove triggers and create a calmer environment. Professional training or veterinary guidance can help address persistent issues before they worsen.
Emotional support animals differ from service dogs in important ways. They provide comfort through companionship alone and require no specialized training. A doctor’s letter is typically enough to qualify a pet as an ESA granting certain housing and travel accommodations under U.S. law. Dachshunds like Beans often develop strong bonds with owners but the breed can be prone to separation anxiety due to their loyal and sensitive nature.
Have you ever adopted a pet hoping for calm only to end up with a delightfully dramatic companion? Share your own funny animal stories in the comments.
