A viral TikTok video featuring Mush, a bulldog, has caught the internet's attention with its mix of humor and subtle sadness.

Posted by the account @mushubulldog on September 3, the clip shows Mush's owners sitting by a bonfire in their backyard. The video's uniqueness comes from its soundtrack—"Mad World" by Gary Jules and Michael Andrews—which contrasts with the peaceful setting, suggesting that the moment is anything but happy—at least, for Mush.

The camera pans to Mush, who looks devastated as the flames crackle in front of him. Over the video, text appears in first person, as if from Mush's perspective, lamenting, "realizing what happened to all the sticks I bought my humans." The video is captioned: "Watching my best sticks burn."

While Mush appears to be mourning the loss of his prized collection of sticks, the video's comedic undertone has resonated with viewers. At the time of writing, the video has amassed over 770,000 views and 95,500 likes.

The video triggered a wave of humorous responses from viewers. One commenter wrote: "You just burnt that man's life savings in front of him," while another joked: "Best independent film I've seen in years."

A third user sympathized with Mush's perceived sacrifice, writing: "They've gone to a better place now. Your hooman is very grateful for your sacrifice."

The internet's reaction to Mush's heartbreak highlights the enduring charm of dogs' quirky behaviors. For many dogs, sticks are not just ordinary objects but prized possessions. According to a blog by Zigzag, puppy training app, dogs are attracted to sticks for several reasons:

• The texture
• Scent
• The fun they provide

Sticks offer dogs an opportunity to chew and play, which taps into their natural instincts to tear, shred, and carry items. Zigzag explains that dogs "like sticks because they offer an opportunity to chew, whenever they like," making sticks a convenient, always-available toy​.

Despite the humor in the TikTok video, it's important to note that experts advise against letting dogs play with real sticks due to the risk of injury. Splinters from sticks can cause mouth injuries or even intestinal blockages if ingested. For safer alternatives, dog owners can opt for rubber or rope toys designed to mimic the sensation of playing with a stick​.

Indeed, thin pieces of wood can lead to serious consequences, as one owner discovered after facing a $12,000 vet bill. So some might say Mush's owners had the right idea by discarding them.

Newsweek reached out to @mushubulldog for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.

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