Laughter at Reason Trained Medical Dog Can't Work Out Why Door Won't Close

Service dogs are usually very alert and intelligent, although even they can have their off moments.

As a cardiac alert and mobility dog, Lucifer the German shepherd is vital for Erykah Maglio to maintain confidence going about her daily life. But despite all his training and aptitude, even Lucifer can get confused by something as simple as a door at times.

Maglio, from Phoenix, Arizona, captured the hilarious moment when Lucifer tried to close the door without realizing there was a ball on the other side that was getting in the way. She told Newsweek that "he was so focused on the task" he'd been asked to complete that he "wouldn't stop to get the ball" out of the way first.

Maglio often documents her life with Lucifer on social media, and after witnessing his silliness with the door, she shared the footage of his confusion on TikTok (@demon.dog.duo) in February. The video has delighted many, and it has been viewed more than 3 million times and gained over 244,700 likes.

"He is a cardiac alert and mobility dog, who helps me by alerting to sudden heart rate spikes and drops, and assisting me with my mobility by retrieving items, closing doors, pressing buttons, carrying items, assisting with balance," Maglio said.

"He closes doors when I forget to close them myself, or if I have my hands full, because getting up right after sitting down, or staying upright too long can cause problems for my dysautonomia. But on this occasion, there was a heavy and irregularly shaped ball which was stopping the door, so he couldn't close it."

What Is a Cardiac Alert Dog?

There are numerous types of service dogs to accommodate a range of disabilities and medical requirements, but a cardiac service dog is specially trained to detect changes in heart rate and blood pressure. According to Service Dog Training School International (SDTSI), they will warn their handlers through pawing, nudging or barking at them when an event occurs.

If necessary, a cardiac service dog may alert family members, retrieve medication, call 911, or lay down with their handler to comfort them. This will vary depending on the handler's condition and the type of emergency.

The SDTSI highlights that retrievers, German shepherds, poodles and great Danes make perfect cardiac service dogs as they're highly trainable, intelligent and have large noses.

How Did Social Media React?

After Maglio shared the video of Lucifer being bested by a simple ball, her social media followers were quick to praise his sheer determination to fulfil the task. She told Newsweek that many TikTok users "commended his commitment to the job" even when there's a hurdle in his way.

"Most people shared a laugh about how he didn't realize why the door stopped, and many others shared their amazement that he even knows how to close doors," Maglio said.

Since going viral, the post has amassed over 370 comments on TikTok, with one person writing: "the flattening against the door, snout up trying to close it is hilarious."

Another user responded: "he's like I'm trying to work, but the door is broken mom."

While another comment reads: "This is an example on the determination our service dogs have. Especially with alerts! he tried so hard. His personality is so cute!"

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