Every parent knows the struggle of convincing a tired child that bedtime really is a good idea.
Apparently, puppies aren’t much different.
Meet Fred, an adorable foster puppy who was desperately trying to stay awake because he didn’t want to miss anything happening around the house.
His little body was exhausted, his eyes were getting heavy, but he wasn’t ready to call it a night.
Fortunately, his foster mom had a plan. And watching her negotiate with this stubborn little pup is almost as entertaining as watching a toddler fight bedtime.
One Very Sleepy Puppy With Serious FOMO
Fred’s adorable bedtime battle was captured in a TikTok video shared by his foster mom, @jaindelane.
In the clip, she takes him into the bathroom for a little private conversation, away from his foster siblings.
Apparently, Fred is completely worn out but refuses to settle down for a nap. He seems determined to stay awake and keep track of everything happening around him.
His mom gently tries to explain that he needs some rest.
“I think you’re tired, I do,” she tells him while lovingly rubbing his face.
She suggests that he return to his playpen, where his brother and sister are already resting. If he simply lies down with them, she assures him, he’ll probably fall asleep.
But Fred isn’t convinced.
Instead of looking directly at his mom, he keeps avoiding eye contact.
He lies down, glances toward a food bowl, and even lets out a little burp, seemingly doing everything except agreeing that bedtime is necessary.
It’s almost as if he’s trying to change the subject.
Mom Brings Out the Full Name
When gentle persuasion doesn’t immediately work, Fred’s mom decides it’s time to get serious.
“Frederick,” she says, using his full name to make sure he understands.
She reminds him that he’s a baby, he’s very tired, and he needs to return to the playpen with his siblings.
She even calls their sleeping area the “frat house,” adding another layer of humor to the conversation.
But she doesn’t stop there.
Knowing that Fred needs a little encouragement, she gives him some loving reassurance.
“I know you can do it, Fred. You’re very brave.”
Between the gentle words, affectionate kisses, and comforting touches, his mom makes it clear that going to sleep isn’t something he needs to be afraid of.
It’s simply time to rest.
Fred Finally Gives In
Eventually, the little puppy’s determination begins to fade.
After receiving a few more kisses and plenty of encouragement, Fred is placed back in the playpen with his foster siblings.
He gets to watch a little television while settling down, but his resistance doesn’t last much longer.
By the end of the video, the exhausted puppy is finally fast asleep.
His mom’s bedtime negotiations have officially succeeded.
And judging by how peacefully Fred sleeps, he probably needed that nap more than he wanted to admit.
The Internet Understands the Struggle
Viewers couldn’t get enough of Fred’s adorable behavior.
One commenter joked that everyone needs a little pep talk sometimes.
Another admitted to relating to the puppy because they also struggle to fall asleep even when they’re exhausted.
Others simply cheered him on, celebrating his eventual surrender to bedtime.
It’s easy to understand why so many people connected with the video.
Fred’s stubbornness is funny, but his foster mom’s patience makes the moment especially heartwarming.
Fostering isn’t just about providing food and shelter.
It’s also about helping young animals feel secure, establishing routines, and giving them the affection they need to grow.
Fred may still have plenty to learn, but he’s already getting something every puppy deserves: someone willing to comfort him, encourage him, and make sure he gets a good night’s sleep.
And tomorrow, there’s always another adventure worth staying awake for.
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