This adorable video captures the sweet moment a loyal beagle pretends to be dead in order to stop his owners from leaving the house. Flash, a six-year-old beagle, consistently performs this trick whenever his beloved family members attempt to leave their home in Aberdeenshire. Not only does he do it when they try to exit the house, but he also does it when someone goes upstairs to go to bed.
The performance is so realistic that when one of them tries to move him across the floor, Flash pretends to be dead much to the amusement of his family. Despite his loyal behavior, Flash’s owners have to find ways to prevent him from pulling off his tricks. They have resorted to putting him in the kitchen before they leave the house. According to Sarah Norris, Flash’s owner, while it may be inconvenient when they are in a hurry, it’s quite entertaining. A funny and heartwarming video shows the beagle lying on the floor, seemingly immobile. Despite his owner’s efforts to move him, he remains stubbornly still. Eventually, he is lifted up and told to “go,” and he happily scurries off.
Flash, a playful six-year-old beagle, always comes up with tricks when his adoring family in Aberdeenshire tries to head out of the house.
The performance was so believable that when one of them attempted to pull Flash across the floor, he remained motionless, causing his family to cheer with joy.
But Flash never gives up easily. Even after being gently moved or scooped up, he often circles right back to the same spot, flops down, and resumes his dramatic act with even more flair. His timing is impeccable—he always manages to drop to the floor just as someone reaches for their keys or puts on a coat. His eyes follow every move, and the moment he senses a goodbye, down he goes.
According to Sarah, Flash’s antics started when he was just a puppy. At first, they thought it was a coincidence—just a lazy pup lounging around. But over time, it became clear that this was Flash’s way of expressing his attachment to the family. “He doesn’t want anyone to leave him,” Sarah says with a smile. “It’s his version of a protest. A very adorable, floppy protest.”
Flash has become somewhat of a celebrity in the neighborhood because of his antics. Neighbors often stop by just to catch a glimpse of his latest “dead dog” routine. Some have even caught it on video, sharing it online, where Flash has earned a small but dedicated following. The comments are filled with people gushing over how clever and endearing he is, with many calling him “the canine Oscar winner.”
Despite the performance being repeated almost daily, Flash never fails to make his family laugh. Even on hectic mornings when they’re running late, someone usually pauses to smile or chuckle as Flash dramatically collapses at the doorway. It’s become part of the family’s daily rhythm—a moment of levity before the day begins.
“Some days, we just sit there and watch him for a minute,” Sarah shares. “It’s hard to be in a rush when he’s lying there like that. He has this way of slowing everything down, reminding us to be present, even if it’s just for a second.”
Flash also has a keen sense of timing in the evenings. As soon as someone stands up from the sofa or grabs a book to head upstairs, Flash will make a beeline to the foot of the staircase. There, he’ll dramatically plop himself down, as if to say, “How dare you go to bed without me?” It’s a nightly ritual now—one that never fails to bring laughter.
Interestingly, Flash doesn’t pull this stunt for just anyone. He’s selective. Visitors are usually met with tail wags and polite sniffing, but the full-on dead weight routine is reserved exclusively for family members. It’s almost as if he knows exactly who matters most, and he’s not afraid to show it.
Sarah and her husband have tried everything to outsmart Flash. They’ve tried distracting him with treats, sneaking out quietly, even pretending to sit back down after standing up—but somehow, Flash always knows. “He’s like a little mind-reader,” Sarah says. “We think we’ve got him figured out, and then he’ll switch it up and catch us off guard.”
To keep him safe and reduce his anxiety, they’ve created a cozy space in the kitchen with his favorite blanket and toys. When it’s time to leave, they guide him there gently. Even then, Flash will let out a dramatic sigh and rest his head on his paws, giving them the most heart-wrenching look of disapproval. “It’s the guilt trip of the century,” Sarah laughs. “We feel like villains walking out the door.”
Flash’s expressive personality doesn’t end with his performances. He’s an incredibly affectionate dog who thrives on cuddles, belly rubs, and quality time with his humans. His bond with the family is strong and deeply rooted. He follows them from room to room, always wanting to be involved in whatever they’re doing—even if it’s just watching TV or folding laundry.
Children especially adore him. Sarah’s nieces and nephews often come to visit, and Flash instantly switches from dramatic performer to playful companion. He’s gentle, patient, and full of energy when he senses it’s playtime. Yet, the moment someone picks up their jacket, the theatrics return.
The family has come to embrace Flash’s quirks as one of the many things that make him special. His behavior might be inconvenient at times, but it’s also a constant reminder of the deep connection they share. It’s love in its purest form—loyal, expressive, and sometimes a little dramatic.
The video of Flash playing dead has now been shared thousands of times online, with viewers from around the world expressing how much joy it brought them. “This made my day,” one commenter wrote. “I wish my dog was this funny.” Another said, “Flash deserves an award. What a talented little guy!”
Some fans have even created fan art and memes based on Flash’s now-iconic pose. There’s one in particular that Sarah loves: it shows Flash lying down with a speech bubble that reads, “If I can’t come with you, I’m just gonna die right here.” She has it framed in the living room.
Sarah says they never expected Flash to go viral. “We just filmed him because it was funny and adorable. I didn’t think so many people would relate to it.” But relate they did. Many dog owners chimed in with stories of their own pets who try to stop them from leaving—some by blocking the door, others by stealing shoes or leashes.
It’s clear that Flash struck a chord. In a world that often moves too fast, his sweet, stubborn performances remind us of the deep, emotional lives our pets live—and how much they truly value our presence.
Now, when the family prepares to leave the house, they make sure to set aside a few extra minutes—not just to coax Flash into the kitchen, but to give him an extra scratch behind the ears, a belly rub, or a few words of reassurance. “We always say goodbye properly,” Sarah says. “Because for Flash, it’s never just a routine—it’s a moment that matters.”
And maybe, just maybe, that’s the lesson Flash has been trying to teach all along: never underestimate the power of a heartfelt goodbye. Even if it comes with a little drama and a lot of dog hair.
