A routine trip to Walmart turned into an unexpected rescue mission for one young man who left the store with more than just groceries.
Reddit user Fragrant_Barber_4642 shared: “I was at Walmart when I saw someone giving free puppies from their trunk.”
He explained that the white puppy was “flea ridden” and the last one left. “I had to take her,” the 20-year-old wrote.
“The guy spoke no English so I pretty much just grabbed the dog and we drove off. Any idea what the breed is?”
After taking the puppy home, he immediately gave her a bath and booked a veterinary appointment for a health check.
The Real Cost of “Free” Puppies
While receiving a puppy at no cost may seem like a stroke of good fortune, it often comes with hidden challenges. According to American Kennel Club, it typically costs around $646 to purchase or adopt a dog. Beyond that, dog ownership costs averaged $2,489 per year in 2023—and with inflation, those expenses are only expected to rise.
What may seem like a spontaneous act of kindness—or a bargain—can quickly turn into a serious financial and emotional commitment. Experts warn that “free” puppies are often more vulnerable to risks. Dogster, a bimonthly canine magazine and website, outlines several reasons why offering or accepting free puppies can be problematic:
- Target for bad actors: Some people seek free puppies to use as bait in dogfighting or other abusive situations.
- Risk of neglect: Those unwilling to pay for a dog may also be unwilling to invest in its long-term care.
- Unknown genetics: Without information about the puppy’s parents, potential health and behavioral issues remain uncertain.
- Temperament concerns: Dogs from unverified backgrounds can be difficult to train or may develop aggressive tendencies.
- Health risks: A lack of genetic testing can lead to costly medical problems later on.
Reddit Reacts
The Reddit thread quickly filled with lighthearted guesses about the dog’s breed.
“It’s a Walmutt!” joked one user.
“You got a very rare Batdog! Congrats!” said another, referring to the puppy’s large, pointy ears.
Some suggested the dog might have German Shepherd or American Pit Bull Terrier in the mix, while others simply celebrated the young man’s decision to give the dog a better life.
“I have a pity husky mix and they look very similar with the ears and coloring,” said another owner.
“It is a precious creature,” concluded a fourth user.
Newsweek reached out to u/Fragrant_Barber_4642 and Walmart for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.
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