A California golden retriever apparently missed the memo on the whole guard dog thing.
A 90-pound pooch named Nash had an unexpectedly friendly reaction when a stranger allegedly broke into his family’s San Diego home, repeatedly bringing the intruder toys and seemingly trying to turn the bizarre break-in into playtime, per NBC 7.
The unusual encounter unfolded earlier this month in Sherman Heights, a neighborhood just east of downtown San Diego, while homeowner Dante Rowley and his family watched the surreal scene play out remotely through their home security app.
The stranger allegedly got into Rowley’s home near 20th and J streets by using a ladder to reach an open second-story window.
Once inside, he apparently made himself right at home.
The intruder reportedly removed his shoes and shirt, sat down on a bench in the foyer and helped himself to yogurt, turkey and cheese from the family’s refrigerator.
He even squeezed in a nap during the roughly 30 minutes he allegedly spent inside.
But he wasn’t exactly alone.
Two of the family’s three dogs were home, including Nash, their 4-year-old golden retriever who apparently saw the unexpected houseguest less as a threat and more as a potential new best friend.
“The dogs we just wanted to make sure they were safe,” Rowley told NBC 7. “Nash is not the greatest guard dog. We thought he was going to bark at people and he did the exact opposite.”
That may be putting it mildly.
Nash can be seen in the security video repeatedly approaching the stranger with a toy in his mouth, apparently hoping to get a game going.
Not once. Not twice. Three times.
The goofy golden’s hospitality quickly became a hit on social media, where viewers couldn’t decide whether the encounter was terrifying or adorable.
“He just wanted to make sure that toy wasn’t taken haha,” one person joked.
“This is both scary and wholesome all at the same time,” another wrote.
“Well… if you didn’t already know he’s a good boy, now you know,” a third chimed in.
Nash apparently didn’t discriminate when it came to making new friends, either.
When police eventually arrived at the house, the tail-wagging pup greeted officers at the door the same way, toy in mouth and ready to play.
The intruder, meanwhile, wasn’t quite as eager to meet them.
He allegedly attempted to make a getaway through a bathroom window, only to discover officers were waiting in the backyard. Police handcuffed and arrested him.
The suspect was charged with burglary and also had outstanding charges stemming from unrelated incidents, according to NBC 7.
Despite the unnerving invasion of his home, Rowley expressed sympathy for the man.
“We just hope he gets some help honestly,” he told the outlet.
As for Nash, the 90-pound golden may not be getting hired for home security anytime soon.
But if the job is welcoming absolutely everyone who walks through the door, he’s apparently overqualified.
