A toddler tucked in his two Great Danes for a slumber party—and the internet can’t handle the cuteness

From bedtime kisses to storytime, this little boy’s love for his dogs is a beautiful reminder of what it means to raise gentle humans.

What does it mean to raise a gentle child in today’s world? For one toddler named Noah, it looks like bedtime kisses, soft blankets, and storytime—shared not just with his little brother, but with his two Great Dane sisters, Daphne and Millie.

In a viral TikTok that has garnered over 3 million views, posted by Chloe Talbert (@the_oakie_dokie), Noah can be seen hosting the sweetest slumber party ever—carefully tucking in the massive pups, covering them in blankets, and reading them a bedtime story with the tenderness of a seasoned caregiver.

“The cutest little slumber party with his 2 besties🥹 🐶,” the caption reads.

This video is a glimpse into something deeper than a viral video: It’s a hopeful story about a toddler modeling empathy, emotional routine, and love without limits. Emotional skills that he likely learned from being loved himself.

@the_oakie_dokie The cutest little slumber party with his 2 besties🥹 🐶 #kidsanddogs #dog #dogsoftiktok #bestfriends #toddleractivities #familytime ♬ A Summer Place – Hollywood Strings Orchestra

When dogs are more than pets—they’re teachers

The American Kennel Club calls Great Danes the “Apollo of Dogs”—regal, majestic, and yes, a bit intimidating. But as Noah’s slumber party shows, they’re also incredibly gentle. “You’d never know how sweet and delicate Danes are until co-sleeping with one,” the video notes.

Daphne and Millie have grown up alongside Noah and now baby Paxton, too. The dogs don’t just tolerate bedtime rituals—they lean in, still and calm under the toddler’s touch, as he kisses their heads and softly tells them a story. It’s clear this isn’t a one-time act. It’s a practiced ritual, and a reflection of the kind of home where gentleness is nurtured and reciprocated.

Related: Toddler sees his senior dog shivering—what he does next will melt your heart

Parenting win, not just a viral moment

The internet swooned over the clip, but what stood out most was the quiet leadership Noah demonstrated. He’s not performing for the camera—he’s living out a routine filled with compassion, consistency, and care.

These are the little moments that build emotional intelligence. They don’t come from apps or parenting books—they come from a little boy who himself knows what it is to be loved. To be cared for. From seeing modeled behavior, everyday rituals, and sometimes, from dogs who know how to receive and return love.

More benefits to puppy love

As it turns out, this snuggly bedtime ritual might be doing more than just melting hearts.

A recent study published in Allergy found that early exposure to pet dogs could help protect genetically susceptible kids from developing eczema. Researchers suggest that dogs might help regulate immune responses, reducing inflammation and supporting better long-term health.

In other words: cuddling your pup might be good for your kid’s skin—and their soul.

Other studies back this up, too:

• A 2020 study published in Pediatrics found that children who had strong attachments to family pets showed higher levels of empathy, self-esteem, and social confidence.
  
• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that pet companionship is associated with decreased anxiety and improved mood regulation in young children.

So yes—what looks like a viral TikTok is also a case study in how animals can shape more emotionally (and medically) resilient humans.

Related: For two years, this toddler and dog watched the world together—until one morning changed everything

Final thoughts: This is what childhood should look like

In a world that often moves too fast, this quiet slumber party between a toddler and his Great Danes reminds us of what matters most. Connection. Presence. And the everyday moments that shape who our children become.

This isn’t just bedtime—it’s gentle parenting in action.