Watch Golden Retriever's Crucial Role in Gender Reveal—'Best Big Brother'

Gender-reveal parties are becoming increasingly popular, and while expectant parents try to get more creative with their celebrations, one couple made their dog the star of the show.

When mom-to-be Paige Phillips, 27, was planning her gender-reveal party, she knew her golden retriever named Ralph had to be involved with the big announcement. Phillips told Newsweek that the dog is their "first baby" after all.

With all their friends and family gathered outside the family home in North Wales, U.K., Ralph hid inside until the big moment. When it was finally time, he ran outside with a blue stuffed bear in his mouth, signaling that he is going to get a baby brother in October.

The adorable moment was shared on TikTok (@paigexfitness) and it has already delighted many social-media users. In just a few days, the clip has gained over 685,000 views and more than 65,000 likes on TikTok.

Phillips said: "We decided to get Ralph to announce the gender to our family to make it really special. We had everyone wait outside, then we gave Ralph a blue bear, as we'd found out we were having a boy, and he ran out to surprise them all.

"They were made up and thought it was so special that Ralph told them. We think he'll be the best big brother. He takes such good care of all his bears and toys, and he is such a human dog; we think he actually loves humans more than other dogs."

While gender-reveal parties are gaining in popularity, with 23 percent of Americans having attended one at some point, they can divide opinion. A 2022 poll by YouGov of 8,725 U.S. adults found that 32 percent of people are fine with the idea, but 44 percent say they are not a fan.

Data from the survey reveals that gender reveals appear to be more popular with younger generations, and also among women.

With so many gender-reveal ideas out there, it can be hard to think of something outside the box. Confetti cannons, balloons, cakes with hidden icing; it's all been done before. Which is why Phillips wanted to involve her dog instead and make it a special moment for her family and for Ralph.

It's safe to say that Ralph was loving all the attention he got at the time. Since going viral, Phillips has even inspired other expectant parents to involve their dog in the big announcement, too, just to make them feel special.

"We can't believe how many people are loving the idea and plan on using it themselves now, too," Phillips told Newsweek.

With over 130 comments on the TikTok video already, many social-media users praised Phillips for letting her dog be the center of attention for this big moment. One comment reads: "My most favourite gender reveal to this day."

Another person posted: "Such a lovely idea to include your beautiful dog."

A third TikTok user added: "the dog's just happy to be here."

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.