A bulldog named Big Poppa has captured the hearts of thousands on the internet after his owner shared a picture of the pup looking forlorn while following social distancing orders.
As people around the world continue to stay home in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, Rashida Ellis, 38, from Atlanta, Georgia, showed the impact quarantining has had on her three-year-old English bulldog.
In the photo, which has been liked more than 740,000 times, Big Poppa can be seen sitting on Ellis’s balcony looking miserable because he cannot play with the children in the building.
“Big Poppa has been so sad today, I think he misses playing with the kids in the building,” Ellis tweeted alongside the picture. “He just watches them from the patio.”
Ellis also shared a video of Big Poppa sitting in a too-small dog bed on the balcony, explaining that he won’t get out of it despite barely fitting inside.
On Big Poppa’s Instagram, run by Ellis, the bulldog spoke directly to his more than 48,000 followers, imploring them to take social distancing seriously so that he can once again play with the children in his building.
“All I want to do is play with the kids in my building but due to Covid-19... I can't. I just watch them from the patio. Flatten the curve please,” Big Poppa said through his owner.
According to Ellis, although she is home to play with the dog and give him attention, what he really enjoys is playing with children. "He loves children and then other dogs and then adults," Ellis told BuzzFeed. "In that order."
The photo of the bulldog’s apparent misery has since prompted an outpouring of support, with many people offering virtual hugs and pats to the pup, as well as promises to do what they can to help flatten the curve.
“I'm gonna kick this virus's ass for hurting Big Poppa like this,” one person tweeted.
Another said: “My Covid-19 priorities have now shifted to whatever is best for Big Poppa.”
Among those cheering on the pup was Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams, who tweeted: “Not being dramatic but I would literally die for Big Poppa.”
