The first true summer heat had just settled over Massachusetts when Lauren Lynde and her husband decided it was the perfect day to take their two-year-old golden retriever, Wally, out for a swim. They rowed their canoe across Hickory Hills Lake, heading toward one of the quiet little islands where Wally could splash, swim, and soak in the sunshine.

For Wally, water is pure joy. The moment he jumps in, he’s in his element—paddling in wide circles, diving after sticks, and sometimes just swimming for the fun of it. “He’ll swim around on his own, happy as can be,” Lauren said with a laugh. And to make his adventures even more adorable, Wally sports a little shark-shaped life vest that always draws smiles.

But that day, something extraordinary was about to unfold.

An Unexpected Passenger

As Wally swam a few yards from the canoe, Lauren noticed something bobbing in the water nearby. At first, she thought it was just driftwood. Then it moved. Maybe an otter? But no—the shape was smaller, fuzzier, and clearly alive.

Before they had time to process what they were seeing, the creature made its move. In one swift leap, it hopped right onto Wally’s back.

Lauren’s jaw dropped. She wasn’t looking at a stick at all. She was looking at a woodchuck—riding Wally like a ferry across the lake.

A Calm Companion

Many dogs would have panicked, barked, or shaken the little stowaway off. But not Wally. True to his gentle nature, he simply turned his head a couple of times, glanced at his new passenger as if to say, “Alright, buddy. Hang on tight.” Then, without missing a beat, he began swimming steadily toward shore.

Lauren and her husband sat in stunned silence, watching the scene unfold. “We could not believe it,” she recalled. “It was like they had this unspoken agreement—Wally would swim, and the woodchuck would ride.”

A Sweet Goodbye

When they neared land, the woodchuck hopped down into the water, paddling the last few feet by himself. But before scurrying off, he turned back toward Wally.

For a brief moment, the two animals touched snouts—a quiet farewell between an unlikely pair of friends. Then the woodchuck bounded into the trees while Wally, unfazed, swam right back out to keep playing in the water.

“I honestly couldn’t believe it,” Lauren said. “I was dumbfounded. But at the same time, it made perfect sense. Wally loves every animal and every person he meets.”

A Dog Everyone Trusts

Wally has always been known for his big heart. He’s the kind of dog who greets children with kisses and wins over even the shyest animals with his easy-going spirit. And on that hot summer day, even a wild woodchuck seemed to sense his goodness.

“Woodchucks are usually so skittish, but this one wasn’t afraid,” Lauren reflected. “I think Wally just exudes kindness, and maybe even wild animals can feel it.”