A dog who was rescued from a hoarder's house has become an internet sensation, and it isn't because of his heartbreaking backstory.
It's because he appears to communicate with his foster carer, Meg Coward (@megrescues), who recently shared a clip of him "talking."
Racking up more than 743,000 views, the footage shows Champ, who can't use his legs, wrapped in a blanket while lying down. He can be heard making an unusual noise while looking at Coward, who is behind the camera. She then asks: "Is that what happened today?" and he barks, as if to say yes.
The conversation doesn't end there, as chatty Champ continues to bark when Coward speaks. She says: "You had a lot going on today," and asks if there's anything else, followed by: "That sounds like fun."
The text layered over the video says: "Champ's day was busy," gathering 122,500 likes.
In one of Coward's first videos, the caption explains that the Maltese and shih tzu mix was one of 35 dogs who were rescued.
It is estimated that up to 250,000 animals are taken in by hoarders annually. The Animal Legal Defense Fund identifies hoarding as "the number one animal cruelty crisis facing companion animals in communities across the country."
Many individuals who hoard animals have also been charged with abuse toward children, the elderly, and other vulnerable individuals.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the largest animal rights organization in the world, has also explained the severity of the problem of hoarded animals. They are often deprived of essential care, including proper food, water, shelter, veterinary attention and basic hygiene.
They also lack socialization, affection and respect. In overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, parasites and diseases spread rapidly. Since many hoarded animals are not spayed or neutered, their population increases uncontrollably, or they are confined to cramped spaces such as small cages, carriers, kennels, bathrooms, basements, sheds, garages, or even kitchen cabinets.
The July 2023 clip caption reads: "He has a neurological defect that affects all 4 legs and makes it difficult for him to walk. We are doing everything we can to rehabilitate him."
It is unclear what the defect is, but it could be the reason why he "talks."
"Seizures or brain abnormalities can cause changes in behavior, including increased vocalization," according to Brown Veterinary Hospital, a veterinarian in Terre Haute, Indiana.
So far, the November 4 video has almost 3,000 comments.
"Champ talks like my grandparents with dentures. The pauses to adjust the teeth," said one user, and Coward responded: "I'm cracking up! That's hilarious. And accurate. It's like his dentures are flapping a bit."
"He explained everything that happened to him in lowercase!" said another user, and a third commenter said: "He is a very compelling storyteller. I was enthralled."
Newsweek reached out to @megrescues for comment via TikTok. We couldn't verify the details of the case.
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