With stay-at-home orders currently in effect, it’s easy to assume that most pets are having the time of their lives. Of course, nothing can certainly beat the joy of having their favorite humans by their side 24/7. However, just like human beings, some pets couldn’t help but feel the so-called lockdown blues too. And among them is three-year-old English bulldog Big Poppa or Pop as his human Rashida Ellis fondly calls him.
Ellis recently shared a photo of Pop slouching at their sixth-floor patio with a big frown on his face. It turned out that the pup has been watching some kids play in the courtyard from above. He wanted to join them so badly that he kept making noises to get their attention but to no avail. Unfortunately, the kids didn’t hear him as he was too far away, leaving him awfully sad. Apparently, the lockdown has left Pop yearning for human interactions more than ever.
The photo immediately went viral, garnering over 830K likes to date
Big Poppa has been so sad today, I think he miss playing with the kids in the building. He just watches them from the patio pic.twitter.com/gVooqvZ5oI
— Rae Elle (@RaeElle) April 22, 2020
I bet you dogs have been having a blast these past couple of weeks tho.
— Dylan (@dyllyp) March 30, 2020
Mine has ?. Extra walks, more play time, he’s enjoying it pic.twitter.com/6baTh4PSEa
— Rae Elle (@RaeElle) March 30, 2020
You see, Pop is an extremely social dog. So, he loves being in the company of kids, adults, as well as other dogs more than anything else. As such, the lockdown and all the social distancing measures have posed quite a serious challenge to him. Ellis confirmed that the little dude has been having a hard time lately in dealing with all the pandemic-driven adjustments.
“The sadness started during the lockdown because Pop would usually go outside and play with some of the children in the courtyard every day and also multiple people would pet him when we walk. Ever since the lockdown, none of this happens and he tries to get their attention from the patio but ends up defeated.”
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In addition, she shared that the lockdown has significantly affected Pop’s sleeping habits and energy levels. She noticed how Pop has been acting a bit sluggish and sleeping more than usual. All these telltale signs were enough to convince Ellis that Pop’s not feeling himself lately. So, in turn, she has been putting in the extra work to cheer up Pop in any way that she can.
“I sing songs and dance. We take extra walks. I also tell him to come sit with me and feed him treats. He likes to be fed!”
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Moreover, the online community has extended their warm regards to Pop and showered him with heaps of love
I would throw myself in front of the virus if it meant Big Poppa could go play with the kids. https://t.co/OYbAC3O8Xs
— mike mulloy (@fakemikemulloy) April 22, 2020
Pls hug that dog for me oh man ?
— Joe Dan Tony (@slowhnds) April 22, 2020
Ma’am are you aware that this dog is perfect?
— Toss a coin to your Rykie ??? (@withaYKIE) April 22, 2020
My COVID-19 priorities have now shifted to whatever is best for Big Poppa. https://t.co/EV4lPdKV7g
— Pablo Escobarner (blue check) (@PabloEscobarner) April 22, 2020
The day all this ends I would like to sign my name on the waiting list to play with Big Poppa.
— Accountability (@socialdistancc) April 22, 2020
We hope a little Big Poppa Pump can cheer up Big Poppa. pic.twitter.com/fGpdE7wmYr
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) April 22, 2020
Even Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams couldn’t help but sympathize with Big Poppa
not being dramatic but I would literally die for big poppa
— Maisie Williams (@Maisie_Williams) April 22, 2020
Somebody show this picture to the virus. It’ll leave on its own to make Big Poppa happy again @dog_rates https://t.co/9cGl4Nhj85
— Patrick Netherton (Quarantine Edition) (@PTNetherton) April 22, 2020
Omg Big Poppa pic.twitter.com/huicDIATxs
— Al Bundy (@4tds_bundy) April 22, 2020
OMG, I didn’t even wanna have kids but I’ll have them so Big Poppa can play with them. ?????
— Nikki García (@nikkigarcia_es) April 22, 2020
Same energy from my girl, Large Marge. pic.twitter.com/hFhEPByz4Z
— Micah Halfwolf (@AyeTeach) April 22, 2020
Sitting here with my morning coffee, wondering how we can get big poppa a friend to play with. pic.twitter.com/YGko6Eapwr
— SaysSarcastically ? (@SaysSarcastic) April 22, 2020
HONEY CAN WE PLEASE SEND YOU SOME TOYS? ?
— BarkBox (@barkbox) April 22, 2020
We need to make the world a better one for Big Poppa ? https://t.co/AhADexy4OO
— Jessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) April 22, 2020
In other news, here’s a clip of Pop patiently waiting for his human to finish work
This is him waiting for me to finish working…. Every SINGLE Night ??????? pic.twitter.com/uoLavaQV8R
— Rae Elle (@RaeElle) April 23, 2020
Follow Pop’s Instagram page to send him more love and support during these difficult times!
Sources: Rashida Ellis Instagram & Twitter | popthebulldog