Internet Defends 'Bad Dog' Who Brings Unwanted Surprise for Owner

A video of a Labrador holding a groundhog in his mouth has racked up 2.8 million views in less than 24 hours on TikTok.

Patiently standing on the patio while his owner films from inside, Rusty, the chocolate Labrador, can be seen holding a groundhog by its feet in his mouth. Fortunately, the large rodent is alive and moving. Next to them is an older Labrador named Hennessy, who can barely contain his excitement and keeps barking at their unexpected guest.

Paired with audio that says, "show me your bad dog. I don't want to see any of these good boys and good girls sitting for a cookie." However, TikTok users disagree and have congregated in the comment sections to back the canine.

A stock image of a dog with her head in a hole in the ground. It is unclear how the dog in the video found the groundhog. A stock image of a dog with her head in a hole in the ground. It is unclear how the dog in the video found the groundhog. merobson1/iStock/Getty Images Plus

"That is NOT a bad dog! That dog is doing what they're bred for!" said one user. Indeed, Labradors make great game-hunting companions, according to the American Kennel Club. They are capable of working in various settings, including waterfowl hunting and game hunting, often for extended periods.

There's a reason it was ranked as America's second favorite breed for two years in a row. They are intelligent, eager to please, and willing to work hard, which not only makes them great pets but invaluable in a variety of fields. They are among the most popular choices for service dog work, as well as search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and therapy dog roles.

While Rusty isn't employed, it is still in his genes to hunt—even if his owner Beth Helms (@bethhelms4) is against it. She has since uploaded the original video but without the sound and she can be heard asking Rusty to "drop it."

@bethhelms4

#dogsoftiktok

♬ original sound - Michael Foote, Esq.

She states in the caption: "This dog is my brand new rescue, Rusty, who we are currently training but [it's] difficult. He was previously abused and left outside until they found him [abandoned] with 15 other dogs. He was left to fend for himself. It is in HIS NATURE.

"This was my first time experiencing this and I ran from the front of my house to the back of my house [and] coerced him with a hot dog and he eventually let him go, I could not let them come inside because in a smaller environment a fight could have broken out. I'm a very good owner and rest assure you [sic]. He is a VERY GOOD BOY."

This has been echoed in the original video as another user wrote: "He brought a gift for you mommy! Good boy."

"He is so proud," pointed out one user.

While some users sympathized with the small animal, another person said: "Oh my gosh I would be crying trying to save the little guy."

Newsweek reached out to @bethhelms4 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.

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