A woman's Uber ride turned into an unforgettable experience when the driver introduced his adorable driving companion, a cockapoo puppy.
Rebecca Ariz (@littleberky), 23, shared her joy on TikTok in a video that captured her cuddling the puppy named Richard in the backseat of the Uber. The clip, which amassed more than 223,000 likes and over 866,000 views, melted hearts across the platform.
"He handed us Richard and let us hold him the entire way. We were so excited. Richard was so calm and loving," Ariz told Newsweek.
Ariz, a New Jersey native, was traveling from Toronto to the airport on November 24 after attending a Taylor Swift concert with a friend. The surprise encounter made the 30-minute, $70 ride truly memorable.
"We didn't want to give Richard back when we arrived at the airport," she added. The pair ensured the driver received a $20 tip on top of their fare and a glowing 5-star rating.
"It was the best ride ever, and Uber/Lyft should look into pairing up with shelters because, if Richard was available to adopt, I would have been coming home to New Jersey with a new puppy," Ariz said.
Traveling With Puppies: Tips for a Safe Ride
For those traveling with furry friends like Richard, there are some important considerations.
Pet food manufacturer Purina said that ensuring the puppy is comfortable and secure during car travel is key.
Owners should use a pet carrier or harness, and always avoid leaving pets unattended in vehicles, especially during hot weather, as cars can heat up rapidly, putting animals at risk.
Proper preparation can make the journey enjoyable for both the animal and the passengers.
Social Media Reacts to Richard's Charm
The TikTok video sparked a wave of adoration for Richard and the Uber driver's unique approach to customer satisfaction.
"Good way to always get 5 star reviews," one user commented.
Even Uber's official account joined the fun, simply stating: "RICHARD."
"Puppy gets socialized, driver gets good reviews, customers get dog snuggles. this is a win on every possible level," wrote a user named Alo.
Another shared their own experience: "I once got into an Uber with a puppy and I was so excited I had the driver roll down the windows and take a victory lap back by the bar so all my friends outside could see me living my best life."
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