Milo The Dog’s Heartwarming Bond With Garden Butterflies

A canine’s charm and curiosity reveal how compassion can unite unlikely backyard companions.

By Shinta

Created on Aug 29, 2025

A canine’s charm and curiosity reveal how compassion can unite unlikely backyard companions.

Milo the Dog and His Magical Friendship With Garden Butterflies

Milo, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, has found joy and wonder in an extraordinary friendship. In his Los Angeles garden, Miloâs days are filled with the gentle flutter of monarch butterfliesâcreatures his owner, Jen Bennett, lovingly raises. Their heartwarming bond, captured in adorable photos and videos, has inspired animal lovers and nature enthusiasts far beyond their backyard.

How It All Began: A Fateful Meeting in the Garden

Two years ago, after the passing of her previous Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Bennett welcomed Milo into her home. Milo, chosen for being the smallest and smartest of his litter, quickly carved a unique space in Bennettâs lifeâmirroring the special bond she had with her previous dog. Coinciding with Milo’s arrival, Bennett began raising monarch butterflies, motivated by a concern for their declining numbers. The garden would soon become a shared sanctuary for both dog and butterflies.

Milo is related to Bennettâs previous dogâhis father was her last dogâs grandfather.
Bennett chose Milo for his intelligence and gentle temperament.
Bennett started raising monarchs to help counter their dwindling population.

Monarch Magic: The Garden Transformed by Butterfly Migration

Unusually heavy rains in Los Angeles triggered a vibrant butterfly migration, transforming Bennettâs garden into a vivid haven swarming with monarchs. This influx did not go unnoticed by Milo, whose gentle curiosity was awakened by his new fluttering neighbors.

Bennett recalls: “There were thousands. You would drive your car down the street and you couldn’t help but hit a butterfly.”
The butterflies’ presence turned the garden into a dreamy paradise, inspiring daily wonder.

A Gentle Observer: Miloâs Unique Approach to Wildlife

Unlike most dogs, Milo has always approached the world with patience. Drawn by the butterflies’ beauty and movement, he became their gentle guardian, choosing observation over pursuit.

Milo checks on the butterflies every morning, sometimes lying quietly nearby as they emerge from their chrysalises.
He shows an innate gentleness, often letting butterflies rest on his nose or coat without any attempt to harm them.
His curiosity extends to every corner of the garden, where he delicately sniffs flowering plants and observes caterpillars in their various stages of metamorphosis.

A viral moment occurred when a butterfly boldly landed on Miloâs nose. Milo froze in gentle wonder, embodying a rare tenderness that resonated with everyone who saw the photo.

Raising Monarchs: A Joint Journey

Bennettâs role as a monarch protector is central to the story. She collects caterpillars from the garden, sheltering them in a protective butterfly box away from predators. Milo supervises these efforts, peering into the box each morning to check on the caterpillarsâ progress.

Bennett collects eggs and young caterpillars from the gardenâs milkweed and nurtures them indoors.
Caterpillars are protected until their transformation is complete, at which point the butterflies are released.
Milo is present for these releases, capturing the beauty of new life and freedom.

The Dogâs Perspective: An Everyday Wonder

Every morning has become a delightful ritual. Milo runs into the garden, eager to greet his butterfly friends and assist with gardening tasks. He nudges plants with his nose, observes flowers, and keeps a keen watch for any activity near the butterfly box.

Capturing the Wonder: Viral Photos and Global Admiration

The daily magic playing out in Bennettâs garden did not go unnoticed. She began snapping photos of Milo surrounded by vibrant butterfliesâimages that soon captivated thousands on social media. The sight of Milo, sometimes with a butterfly perched on his nose or gently brushing his fur, became an internet sensation.

Bennett shares her best photos and videos on Instagram (@Milo_The_Toller), cultivating a worldwide community of admirers.
The images highlight not only Miloâs beauty, but also his extraordinary patience and curiosity.
Some of the most popular shots include Milo surrounded by a swirl of orange monarchs, with close-ups on their delicate wings against his golden fur.

Platform	Content	Impact
Instagram	Daily photos and stories of Milo and butterflies	Over 30,000 followers; hundreds of positive comments
YouTube	“Drooling for Treats” videos; gardening series	Educational content; growing fan base

Lessons in Kindness and Connection

Miloâs story is more than a collection of cute momentsâit underscores important lessons about interspecies harmony, respect for nature, and the quiet magic found in everyday life. His bond with the butterflies reveals how patience and compassion can bridge even the most unlikely of friendships.

Because of Miloâs gentle example, others have been inspired to view wildlife as companions rather than prey or pests.
The shared experience between dog, butterflies, and humans celebrates the interconnectedness of all living things.
Miloâs friendship with butterflies encourages children and adults alike to slow down and appreciate the natural world.

Bennettâs Butterfly Mission: Inspiring Community Action

Bennettâs efforts go beyond personal enjoyment. She raises awareness about the monarch population decline and encourages others to become caretakers of their local wildlife. By documenting Miloâs friendship with butterflies, she offers a hopeful message on conservation and community action.

Butterfly-friendly gardens contribute to pollinator health and support local ecosystems.
Bennett shares practical tips for raising monarchs: planting milkweed, protecting caterpillars, and building simple butterfly shelters.
The story underscores the ripple effect of small acts of kindness in nature.

The Multifaceted Life of Milo: More Than a Butterfly Guardian

While Miloâs butterfly adventures have made him famous, he is also the star of other creative endeavors. In Bennettâs YouTube series “Drooling for Treats,” Milo joins in cooking demonstrations for homemade dog treats, showcasing his playful personality and helping inform dog owners about healthy pet nutrition.

Recipes include dog-friendly granola bars and peanut butter doughnuts.
The series promotes positive reinforcement and engagement between dogs and their humans.

Whether helping garden, watching over monarchs, or starring in the kitchen, Miloâs varied activities reflect his inquisitive nature and deep bond with his owner.

How to Build Your Own Butterfly-Friendly Garden

Inspired by Milo and Bennettâs success? You can create a haven for butterflies with these simple steps:

Plant native milkweed: Monarchs rely on milkweed for laying eggs and feeding caterpillars.
Add nectar-rich flowers: Include species like coneflower, lantana, and zinnia to attract a variety of butterflies.
Limit pesticide use: Harmful chemicals can kill butterflies and other beneficial insects.
Offer shelter: Place rocks, logs, or butterfly houses in sunny spots for resting and protection.
Provide water: A shallow dish with damp sand can help butterflies “puddle” and hydrate.

Gardens that support pollinators not only benefit butterflies but also birds, bees, and other backyard wildlifeâcontributing to a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem.

Featured FAQs: Milo, Monarchs, and Magical Friendships

How did Milo become friends with butterflies?

Miloâs friendship began organically. As his owner started raising monarchs in the garden, Milo observed them curiously and eventually became gentle companions, often letting butterflies perch on him.

What breed is Milo?

Milo is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, known for intelligence, curiosity, and affectionate temperament.

Are butterflies safe around dogs?

Generally, butterflies are not harmful to dogs. Miloâs story demonstrates how dogs can build non-predatory, gentle relationships with them, provided the dog is calm and supervised.

How can I help monarch butterflies?

You can help by planting native milkweed, creating pesticide-free habitats, protecting caterpillars, and raising awareness in your community about pollinator protection.

Can any dog become friends with butterflies?

Friendships like Miloâs require a gentle, patient dog. Owners can encourage calm observation, but should always monitor initial encounters to ensure safety for both animals.

The Delicate Lesson: Appreciating the Small Wonders

Miloâs story, set in a garden blossoming with life, is a gentle invitation to savor the beauty and mystery found all around us. His friendship with butterflies is both a testament to animal intelligence and empathy, and a reminder to nurture our own connections with nature.

Follow Miloâs adventures and learn how a backyard can transform into a magical meeting ground for unexpected friendsâand perhaps, inspire you to create your own sanctuary for lifeâs smallest wonders.

References

Author

Shinta

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

Read full bio of Shinta