Ace the American Bully’s excited response was captured in a clip shared to TikTok under the handle @acemory. At the time of writing, the video has been viewed 10 million times.
Ace’s owners can be heard singing in the clip, with the celebrations featured on the footage held to mark the canine’s second birthday.
The video is yet another example of the shifting role of pets in the family home. While we’ve always adored our animal friends, for some, cats and dogs are considered as dear as our closest loves.
In a survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners in relationships from February, which ethical pet food company Webbox and Webbox Naturals commissioned, 25 percent said they would rather cuddle up on the couch with their furry friend than a significant other.
The research also revealed that the pet owners polled kept an average of more than 40 pictures of their cats or dogs on their phones. Close to half of those surveyed claimed they have more pet pics on their devices than they do of their partner.
Celebrating pet birthdays is another representation of the adoration felt for cats and dogs, giving owners the chance to lavish their four-legged friends with affection while capturing pictures and photos to treasure for years to come.
Ace’s visible excitement about his birthday surprise only added to the delight around the occasion. In the clip, the American Bully sways from side to side as his owners and others sing to him on his big day. Decked out in a birthday boy t-shirt, Ace’s expression is akin to that of a small child preparing to open a Christmas present.
The presence of an enticing birthday cake close by only added to the anticipation for the canine, with a follow-up video confirming that Ace chowed down on a slice of the baked treat soon after the song finished.
Commenting on the first video, jaderade777 said: “he is so excited! his eyes” with the account for Tubs the Blue Staffy writing: “My god. What a gorgeous boy! Happy Birthday big fella.”
“That is the happiest boy I have ever seen,” Otis the Pitbull wrote while Daviethegoliath agreed: “he is so happy!”
Will Gittens said: “Bruh, Ace couldn’t hold in the excitement” with Heather Demers commenting: “Me when anyone sings happy birthday to me.”
Newsweek reached out to @acemory for comment.
