A viral video showing a father carrying his dog while his young child walked beside him sparked debate on TikTok. While many supported the man’s decision, some questioned prioritizing the dog over the son. However, it’s not uncommon for humans to show strong affection for their pets, sometimes even more than for their children. Dr. Julian Lagoy, MD, explains that pets offer unconditional love and companionship without the complexities of raising children. While loving pets is natural, prioritizing them over children could signal underlying issues that may require professional guidance.

Ultimately, there’s no universal measure of love, and understanding one’s feelings can help strengthen relationships with both children and pets. Loving a dog is perfectly normal, as they’re indeed man’s best friend.