Baseball Fans Left in Tears as a Beloved 13-Year-Old Bat Dog Takes the Field for the Very Last Time

Nothing gets us more excited than a dog with a job. Some pups look after people, others act as therapy animals, and some even sniff out whale poop. This beloved beastie, Layla, put in for her retirement as a bat dog in an adorable TikTok video.

The clip posted by DraftKings shows the last bat she ever retrieved in an official capacity. "The goodest girl (and bat dog) in all of baseball (via clearwaterthrashers/X)," the caption sings her praises. Clearly, Layla was an absolute champion at work!

Getting to witness the old girl shuffle out to pick up her final bat got the comment section all teary. "She knew it was her last time, she was enjoying the moment," @ARIC HUNTER observed. @Mr. L took it to the next level by getting in her head: "Layla be like, 'Don't rush me hooman, I'm retired... I will go as fast as I want.'"

Finally, @Larry T. gave her a good send-off: "Enjoy your retirement, Layla." DraftKings responded, "Hopefully lots of milk bones in her future."

Related: Super-Smart Labrador Retrieving Bat at Baseball Game Has People Cheering

What Is a Bat Dog?

If you first pictured the flying mammal and got a little skeeved out, don't worry. This job has nothing to do with bats, the animal. Bat dogs have a seemingly simple task: They pick up bats, and sometimes even balls, during a baseball game.

The American Kennel Club explains it well: "Across the country, minor league baseball teams-and even a few major league teams-have their very own baseball dogs that are as much a part of the team as players, coaches, and staff. Many of these dogs are also fan favorites, entertaining spectators before, after, and sometimes during the games."

Bat dogs, usually Retriever breeds, use their innate skills to rush out and grab the bats, as they were bred to do for hunting. These instincts make them exceptional at the role.

Sadly, beautiful Layla passed away last year after her retirement, but she will live on in the memories of fans everywhere.

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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 6:20 AM.