Recently, a series of photos depicting a dog following a group of soldiers on patrol and pleading to join them has taken social media by storm. The images quickly went viral across several countries, including Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. People are captivated by the story behind this heartwarming event.
Some social media users speculated that the dog was a stray who, seeing the soldiers, decided to chase after them in hopes of joining their mission. However, according to Los Tiempos, these images were captured by photographer Luis Fernando Chumacero in Tupiza, Bolivia, during the quarantine period. The soldiers were on patrol to ensure compliance with lockdown regulations.
In reality, the dog is not a stray but a beloved pet named Gorda who lives at the military barracks. Colonel Luis Pachecho, Director of the Army Logistics Department IV, explained that Gorda is the division’s mascot. When the pandemic began, Gorda spotted the patrolling troops and eagerly ran after them. The soldiers, recognizing Gorda’s enthusiasm, welcomed him into their vehicle. This touching moment was captured by the photographer’s camera.
Another dog, a gray one named Multicam, also joined the scene by jumping into the vehicle as soon as Gorda was inside. Multicam is the mascot for a different division.
Throughout the online discussion, edited versions of the photos have circulated, but users agree that both dogs are adorable and that, despite the challenging times, they have brought joy to many.