There’s something undeniably charming about witnessing life through a puppy’s eyes. Every rattling leaf, puddle splash, and unfamiliar face becomes a grand adventure.
For Soda, a 10-week-old Golden Retriever from Washington D.C., this meant one milestone stood out above all: his very first road trip.
His mom, anticipating how the ride might go, grabbed her phone—and what followed was instant internet gold.
In the Instagram reel that melted hearts nationwide, Soda isn’t fidgeting, whining, or wide-eyed with confusion. Nope. He’s snoozing. Deep. Smoothly.
As the car hums along. Propped up comfortably against the armrest with his tail curled toward the door, he sleeps like the apocalypse is just another lullaby.
The caption? “Oh just enjoying his nap.” And that’s precisely what he does—while the rest of us dissolve into laughter and “aww”s.
More than 11,500 likes later, the internet has agreed: Soda’s calm-in-the-car demeanor is living his best life. Viewers couldn’t help but gush:
“Tail still wagging while asleep,” “Me when the cruise control kicks in,” and even “Wake me when we hit the drive-thru.”
Right there in the back seat, Soda takes a road trip like it’s a nap time upgrade—and the whole world loved it.
It’s not just about a puppy’s first car ride—it’s about what that ride says. Some dogs crawl over their humans, whine, shake, or backseat whine.
But Soda? He sprawls, he drifts into sleep, and he trusts that the ride will finish good. He reminds us how simple joy can be: comfort, safety, naps, road trip windows.
Here’s a thought: Golden Retrievers are lauded for easy-going personalities. Soda is proof—picking up “sit,” “paw,” and “leave it” all by nine weeks.
But his first road trip? That showed even more—he takes life in stride. And his humans? They clearly know it.
His house rules reportedly state: if it comes in the house, he inspects it first. Little dog with big energy—clearly in charge.
By the time the car pulled into the destination, Soda had done more than travel. He had earned something: confidence.
That back seat? Not a stretch of vinyl and upholstery. It was his throne. That engine hum?
Not background noise—it was lullaby.
And you could almost hear it in the comments: “Best dog in the backseat.”
So next time you’re heading out for errands or a weekend drive, remember: your pup doesn’t need the destination.
They just need motion, window light, your voice, and a little nap.
It’s the ride, not the arrival, that becomes the story.
