Let’s introduce you to Chupey — a six-year-old rescue dog whose appearance is as unforgettable as his spirit. With his perky ears, wide-set eyes, wispy coat, and an underbite that reveals a row of tiny, standout teeth, Chupey might not fit the mold of a “typical” dog. But to his owner, Kaley, and his loyal followers on TikTok and Instagram, he’s a star — just the way he is.
“He came into the world like this,” Kaley, who lives in Georgia, shared during a chat with Newsweek.
Back when he was just a pup, Kaley almost named him “Ed” — a nod to the goofy, wild-eyed hyena from The Lion King. But as Chupey’s personality began to bloom, it was clear he deserved a name as one-of-a-kind as his personality.
Though he’s become a beacon of joy and resilience, Chupey’s journey started on uncertain ground — but always with a whole lot of heart.
“I was deep into dog rescue at the time,” Kaley recalled. “This couple I’d worked with before reached out again — they had another litter, but hadn’t yet agreed to spay the mama dog.”
One of the puppies from that litter — Chupey — stood out right away. He wasn’t growing like his siblings and looked noticeably different. “I told them I’d help, but only if they let me get the mom spayed. Thankfully, they agreed,” Kaley said. And just like that, Chupey’s story began.
From day one, there was something extraordinary about him. His unusual features sparked both fascination and concern — even among geneticists.
“When we had his DNA tested, it showed a partial trisomy on his sixth chromosome,” Kaley explained. “But the specialists weren’t convinced that explained his appearance. I’m starting to suspect it’s tied to a congenital issue with his pituitary gland.”
The pituitary gland may be tiny, but it plays a big role in the body — managing everything from growth to hormones. If something goes wrong there, it can lead to some pretty unique traits. In Chupey’s case, those differences were mostly on the outside, especially in his early years.
“We spent a lot of time at the vet in those early days,” Kaley shared. “There were lots of tests — blood work, urine analysis — trying to piece together what made him look the way he did.”
Eventually, the mystery deepened with a diagnosis: diabetes insipidus, a rare condition that affects how the body retains water. Thanks to a strict care routine and regular medication, Chupey is living his best life.
“He wears cozy sweaters in the cold months and sunscreen in the summer,” Kaley said with a smile. “But really, nothing slows him down.”
Quite the opposite — Chupey is bursting with energy. “He’s obsessed with fetch,” Kaley laughed. “He’ll play non-stop until he’s completely wiped out. And he’s got toys hidden all over the house and yard — and yes, he remembers where every single one is.”
His endless joy, playful nature, and zest for life have captured hearts far beyond Georgia. Chupey’s videos on social media have become little bursts of happiness in people’s lives, racking up love and admiration from fans everywhere.
One fan gushed, “He’s absolutely beautiful — I adore him.”
Another chimed in, “What a sweet little cutie!”
Through all his differences, Chupey reminds us of something incredibly important: being unique isn’t just okay — it’s something to celebrate. And sometimes, the most extraordinary spirits come in the most unexpected packages.