Kernel, a massive yet lovable Great Dane, is a dog that embodies pure affection.
Weighing in at a whopping 175 pounds, he might seem imposing, but his heart is as big as his frame.
His most favorite thing in the world? Sharing hugs with his mom every morning.
This daily routine is a precious part of their bond, and Kernel wouldn’t miss it for anything.
One day, however, in the midst of a busy morning, Kernel’s mom, Alyssa, forgot to give him his cherished hug.
They had been rushing out the door, and the hug simply slipped her mind.
But Kernel didn’t let it slide.
When they returned from their hike, Kernel was waiting on the couch, whining, making sure his mom knew that the missed hug hadn’t gone unnoticed.
“So this morning, I did not give him his morning hug because we were rushing out. And when we got home from our hike, he was sitting on the couch whining at me,” Alyssa shared with The Dodo.
Despite his large size, Kernel doesn’t seem to realize how big he really is.
Alyssa lovingly describes him as thinking he’s still a lapdog.
He loves squeezing into tight spaces just to be close to his mom, often demanding hugs and cuddles whenever he feels like it.
His gentle demeanor is a classic trait of Great Danes, who are often known as “gentle giants.”
According to Hill’s Pet, Great Danes are moderately playful, good with children, and known for their sweet, loving nature.
Alyssa talks about how much Kernel mirrors her own mood and energy.
“He reads my energy. He will just copy whatever I do. If I’m, like, moving and grooving and dancing around, he’ll start dancing,” she explains.
And if she’s calm and relaxed, Kernel is quiet, too.
This bond between them is so strong that Kernel’s personality seems to reflect Alyssa’s in every way.
Not only does Kernel love to shower his family with affection, but he’s also a big hit with everyone who meets him.
Alyssa’s father, in particular, is always vying for Kernel’s attention, and the dog never fails to bring joy to everyone he encounters.
“My dad just wants his attention so badly that he’s like, ‘Do whatever you need to do to me. I am yours,’” Alyssa recalls.
It’s clear that Kernel’s charm extends far beyond just his immediate family.
Kernel’s loving nature isn’t limited to just his household.
Alyssa wanted to extend this love to others, particularly children in need.
“I posted that I used to work at Boston Children’s Hospital and would love to befriend a patient that Kernel and I could go see,” she shared.
The response was heartwarming.
Soon after, Alyssa connected with a little girl whose face lights up every time Kernel visits.
Seeing Kernel’s natural ability to spread joy and comfort, Alyssa decided to train him as a service dog.
His gentle nature made him perfect for the role.
Now, Kernel is not only an expert in giving hugs and nuzzles but also performs deep pressure therapy, a skill that uses his size in a comforting way.
“That weight does come in handy, after all,” Alyssa adds with a smile.
For Alyssa, Kernel is more than just a pet—he’s the center of her world.
She describes him as “the boy that makes my world turn,” and admits she hates being away from him.
In fact, she’s even avoided traveling out of the country just so she wouldn’t have to spend weeks without her beloved dog.
Kernel may be large, but his sweet demeanor, love for hugs, and ability to spread joy wherever he goes make him the ultimate gentle giant.
Meet this amazing dog in the video below!
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