Picture this: you’ve waited three long months to see someone you love, and at the airport, you fling your arms wide open … only to have the person walk right past you.
It stings a little, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what happened in a now-viral video starring a gentle giant: Ritchie, a Great Pyrenees with more fluff than urgency — and an unforgettable reunion style.
Ritchie’s mom, Laura Santos, and his dad, Vinny, share custody of him.
For the summer, he stayed in California to beat the heat; then, in September, they all flew back to Florida.
On the day of reunion, Laura brought Ritchie to the Fort Lauderdale airport arrivals gate, ready for the warmest welcome. But Ritchie had…other plans.
As Vinny stood there, arms outstretched and heart full, Ritchie strolled right past him. There was no spring in his step, no immediate recognition — just calm curiosity.
He paused to sniff Vinny’s neck pillow, of all things (yes, really), before meandering over to a few random travelers nearby.
His face was the picture of relaxed investigation — like he was evaluating his surroundings in his own quiet, majestic way.
Laura later laughed that Ritchie “lives in slow motion,” confessing that his brain doesn’t always fire on instant-reunion mode.
And in all fairness, Vinny forgot one key thing: the irresistible lure of a beef stick. Ritchie’s nose might not pick up people right away, but a snack? He can sniff that from miles away.
This amusing and heartwarming moment was captured on Ritchie’s Instagram and TikTok pages (yes, he’s an internet star), and the world couldn’t get enough.
The Instagram Reel racked up over 59 million views, while the TikTok post surged past 13.8 million.
According to the post’s caption, Ritchie “did a full-on investigation to find dad.” Indeed.
And the payoff? After a little scent-work, Ritchie finally looked up, realized who was calling him … then ran into Vinny’s arms in a rush of joy and relief.
The dad-dog moment was everything you hoped for: scratches, hugs, and pure, unfiltered love.
Laura and Vinny adopted Ritchie four years ago, back when they lived together in Dallas.
Even though they no longer share a home, their shared custody has created this beautiful, quirky bond.
“Oblivious confusion is just so Ritchie,” — and honestly, that’s exactly why he’s unforgettable.
Comments from social media flooded in, full of laughter and affection.
One person joked, “He checked everyone out first — you were my last option.” Another said, “Good thing he has a home — he’d make a terrible hunter!”
And a sweet soul added, “Just kidding, Dad — I knew that was you all along.”
At its heart, the story is a reminder: love doesn’t always need speed.
Sometimes, it’s about pauses, little smells, a bit of confusion — and then, the most honest, joyful embrace.
Ritchie may not recognize his dad in a split second, but when he does … it’s everything.
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