Owners Make Special BBQ Cookout for Pomeranian So He Doesn't Feel Left Out

With the summer cookout season heating up, people are firing up the grills for a barbecue. But Instagram user @gingerosesmith and her husband knew their cookout wasn't complete without grub for their fur baby.

The couple were enjoying the sunshine and grilling hamburgers with their Pomeranian, George. The aromas were taking over and seeping into George's nose. Ever so hopeful for a bite, George watched their every move while they cooked.

Luckily, the couple thought George needed to get in on the action and decided to make him a dog-friendly treat, as seen in a June 11 Instagram video. Like their hamburgers, George had a mini-version hamburger, complete with an unseasoned patty and a bun cut to the perfect size. He devoured his meal, then looked around as if they had forgotten half his hamburger.

Part of the caption reads: "This is your sign to include your pup in your next BBQ."

Dog eats mini hamburger
Screenshots from an Instagram video show a dog's owners making a special dog-friendly hamburger. They didn't want their Pomeranian to feel left out at the cookout. @gingerosesmith/Instagram

"We honestly just randomly came across the idea while grilling, and it was actually my husband who was like, 'We should make George his own burger,'" owner Ginger Rose told Newsweek via Instagram. "We gave him a mini bun and an unseasoned tiny paddy—no cheese, unfortunately—but he loved it!"

'Living His Best Life'

The Instagram video quickly went viral, bringing in over 12.7 million views, 426,000 likes and 880 comments. Impressed viewers are jotting down the idea for their next cookout.

"Truly living his best life omg," said one viewer.

Another joked: "This is the cutest!! I would need to feed my dog a whole burger though."

A third user commented: "What a cute lil burger for a cute lil guy lol not him barking while waiting patiently."

Well, he was as patient as one can be with burgers on the line.

Cookout Food Hazards for Dogs

Before everyone fires up the grill to make a tasty treat for their canines, it's important to familiarize yourself with what foods dogs can and cannot eat during a summer cookout.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) tells owners to never give their dogs cooked bones. The bones might splinter, which can cause choking or damage to the dog's mouth, throat or intestines. Plus, seasonings such as salt and garlic or onions can be toxic.

Just as raw meat can be harmful to people, it can also hurt dogs. Hot dogs are also considered a no-no as the ingredients are not healthy for canines. The AKC says even one-half of a hot dog will put a canine over its daily sodium limit, which could lead to dehydration and high blood pressure.

Other hazardous foods for dogs are corn on the cob, salty snacks like chips or pretzels and desserts, especially chocolate.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Liz O'Connell is a Newsweek Reporter based in North Carolina. Her focus is on pet news and videos. Liz joined ... Read more

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