Charles, a labrador-poodle dog, cheerfully played all by himself in the streets of Norfolk, Virginia. He was spending his time outside while neglecting his surroundings. Little did he know, his appearance made the onlookers panicked.
His owner, Daniel Painter, shaved him like a lion to represent him as the lion mascot at the Old Dominion University. With his dyed tail and a fluffy coat, Charles resembles a real one. It never crossed Painter’s mind that Charles’ appearance would cause alarm to everyone.
The Police Department received many calls about the runaway baby lion in the Norfolk streets. They immediately contacted the local zoo to find out if the lions in the cage were still intact. Greg Bockheim, the Virginia Zoo executive director, confirmed that the big cats were peacefully sleeping in their cages.
Police Officers ensured the situation. They moved towards the area and ensured it wasn’t a runaway lion who could harm people. Luckily, it was just a labrador-poodle mix named Charles the Monarch, who was strolling along the area after visiting the groomers.
Charles becomes the center of attraction at that moment. Everyone was amazed and appreciated his unusual appearance. The Painter’s owner doesn’t intend to deceive people; he only wants to support Charles in portraying a lion at a particular event.
He already owned a Facebook account describing his life as a “Party animal.” Charles received many likes and shares on social media and is happy to have a title as the “mane” attraction.
Charles is indeed a celebrity in an instant. Painter is so proud of his pet that it makes him happy knowing that Charles’s name caused an uproar in Virginia. It will leave a mark on his name that he became a well-known dog in the world once in his life.
Video credit: ABC News