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Meet Chupey: The Adorable and Unique Rescue Dog Who Has Captivated Thousands On Instagram and TikTok
Matthew Russell
Photo: Instagram / cheers.for.chupeyChupey is a special rescue dog who has amassed thousands of followers and friends on Instagram and TikTok.
In her work, Kayley was used to receiving calls from unknown individuals seeking help for various animals. One particular family contacted her, stating that their puppy was experiencing seizures. Despite offering to assist them, the family initially brushed off her help. However, a year later, they reached out again, having moved to a different location in Georgia, informing her that their dog had another litter of puppies. Among them was a peculiar-looking puppy, resembling a bear cub with squinty eyes and adorable quirks.
"They sent me a picture of this puppy and I had never seen anything like it," Kayley says. "I've been around hundreds of puppies and I've never seen one like him."
A Journey of Discovery
Kayley took it upon herself to provide the puppy, now known as Chupey, with the necessary care and attention. She fostered him, intending to find him a forever family. However, Chupey's unique appearance and endearing personality stole her heart, and he became a cherished member of her family.
As Chupey grew, Kayley noticed some developmental delays, which she attributed to potential neglect from his previous environment. Though he was 8 weeks old, Chupey seemed more like a 4-week old puppy.
"I thought maybe with some you know nutrition and proper health that seemed to help and he you know now mentally he's completely normal," Kayley says. "He doesn't have any delays in that regard."
A series of vet visits revealed that Chupey had a stunted liver, requiring dietary adjustments. A DNA test was conducted to uncover his genetic makeup.
"He has a partial trisomy of his sixth chromosome," Kayley says. "A lot of people ask if it is doggy Down syndrome. It's not. There's no such thing is Down Syndrome in dogs. It's just a trisomy that can occur on any chromosome."
Chupey's condition is a partial trisomy, which means a portion of one of his chromosomes is not duplicated. This DNA discovery still doesn't completely explain the dog's unique look, however.
"We don't have any true answers as to why he looks the way he does," Kayley says. "But we still hope to one day find out."
Neglect and the Plight of Stray Dogs
Chupey's story also shed light on the challenges faced by animals in warmer regions, such as the Southeastern United States. Neglect can be a prevalent issue in such areas, as the mild climate allows animals to survive outdoors without adequate care, Kayley says. Owners often lack awareness or understanding of proper pet care, leading to neglect and the perpetuation of breeding cycles.
"Down here in the southeast, we are drowning in stray dogs," Kayley says.
Chupey's story also shed light on the challenges faced by animals in warmer regions, such as the Southeastern United States. Neglect can be a prevalent issue in such areas, as the mild climate allows animals to survive outdoors without adequate care, Kayley says. Owners often lack awareness or understanding of proper pet care, leading to neglect and the perpetuation of breeding cycles.
"Down here in the southeast, we are drowning in stray dogs," Kayley says.