Florida Boy’s $1 “Petting Zoo” With Uncle’s Retired Service Dog Delights Millions

Children often dream up small businesses like lemonade stands or bake sales, but one Florida boy had an idea that took creativity—and comedy—to a whole new level. Instead of selling food or crafts, he decided to “borrow” his uncle’s German Shepherd and open a $1 petting zoo.

Original video via Instagram

The now-viral Instagram clip, posted on September 7 by Monte (@dorka_bel), shows the hilarious moment Monte confronts his nephew. The boy had carefully set up a desk with a handwritten sign reading “$1 Petting Zoo,” a toy cash register, and even a crate for his furry business partner. When Monte approached to greet his own dog, the boy stopped him and insisted he pay a dollar first. Monte laughed as he reminded his nephew that the dog actually belonged to him, but the boy stood firm, unwilling to bend the rules of his new “business model.”

Original video via Instagram

The star of the operation was Dorka, Monte’s German Shepherd. She isn’t just a family pet—Dorka is a retired bomb-sniffing dog who once served alongside Monte during his time in Afghanistan. Now living a much calmer civilian life, her sweet and steady temperament made her the perfect “employee” for her nephew’s imaginative venture. Even though she had no say in the matter, Dorka seemed content to soak up the attention.

Original video via Instagram

Eventually, Monte played along, handing over a dollar to become his nephew’s first customer. What started as a playful prank quickly attracted attention from neighbors. Curious passersby stopped to see what was happening, and some even offered to pay for a chance to pet Dorka. Monte later clarified that no real money was taken—the entire scene was just lighthearted fun—but his nephew enjoyed every second of playing the role of budding entrepreneur.

Original video via Instagram

The video struck a chord online, racking up more than 1.6 million views and over 93,000 likes. Comments flooded in, with many praising the boy’s creativity and sense of humor. One viewer joked, “The dog was like: Don’t worry dad, when I finish my shift, I go home.” Another teased that Dorka and the boy seemed to have formed a business partnership. Others predicted a bright future for the young “businessman,” with one commenter writing, “This kid is gonna go places in life.”

Original video via Instagram

While the clip provided endless laughs, it also carried a wholesome undertone. At its heart, the story highlights the bond between Monte, his nephew, and Dorka—a dog who has already lived an extraordinary life of service. What began as a silly setup turned into a viral reminder of how family, imagination, and a loyal pet can bring joy not only to loved ones, but also to millions of people around the world.