In just under 24 hours, a video of a Labrador holding a groundhog in its mouth has captured 2.8 million views on TikTok.
Rusty, the chocolate Labrador, calmly stands on the patio, caught on camera by the owner filming inside, gripping the groundhog’s feet in its mouth. Surprisingly, the rodent is alive and moving. A neighboring Labrador named Hennessy joins in the excitement, barking at the unexpected guest.
The video is accompanied by audio saying, “show us your bad dog.” While some may not find it amusing to share these moments, TikTok users have flooded the comments in support of the dog.
This pup is just being a dog! As one user pointed out, Labradors are bred for hunting. The American Kennel Club acknowledges Labradors’ exceptional hunting abilities and their adaptability across different environments such as game and waterfowl hunts.
Labradors have held the title of America’s favorite dog breed for two consecutive years. Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and strong work ethic not only make them ideal pets but also valuable assets in various roles, including search and rescue, bomb detection, therapy work, and as service dogs.
While Rusty isn’t on the clock, his hunting instincts are still strong, even if owner Beth Helms (@bethhelms4) doesn’t approve. In a video posted by her, Rusty’s enthusiasm is evident, even if his voice isn’t audible.
Rusty is a recent rescue dog that Beth is working with. He faced abuse in the past and was left alone until he was discovered among 15 other neglected dogs. His hunting nature is deeply ingrained.
In the original video, Beth rushes from her front door to the back to deal with Rusty’s unexpected catch. She ultimately uses a hot dog to coax Rusty into releasing the groundhog outside to prevent any potential conflict indoors.
The sentiment among viewers is clear. As one comment on the video reads, “He brought you a special gift, Mommy!” Rusty is indeed a good boy.
Other comments include “He looks so proud” and “I’d be in tears trying to save that little guy.”