A Pennsylvania woman has turned her Chihuahua into a viral star after filming her strutting her stuff in a vest adorned with spikes and quills to scare off hawks.
Karen, known as @technical_difficulty on TikTok, delighted viewers last week when she posted footage of her Chihuahua in a hot pink protective vest while she hyped her up.
'You ain't scared of no hawk,' the anesthesiologist told the puppy who was strutting.
A Creative Way to Scare Off Hawks
The Tiktok video has been viewed more than 5.7 million times. And thousands of amused viewers have commented on the dog's attire.
'He's opening for Metallica in a half hour; this is his warm-up walk.' One person joked while another wrote: 'It's a hedgehog.'
'Did you just turn your dog into a porcupine?' someone else asked. 'Genius!'
Karen explained in the comments that the vest was a preventive measure after one TikTok user asked if they had previously had problems with needing to scare off hawks.
No attacks, but we live in the woods, and they fly over all the time.'
In a follow-up video. Karen showed off her expansive property with 10 acres of woods, saying she likes to let her dog 'walk free' without a leash. That is great, but it also calls for a device to successfully scare off hawks and protect the tiny pup.
Where the Infamous Vest Came From
Many people wanted to know where she got the vest, saying they wanted to get one to scare off hawks from their small pets.
CoyoteVest makes the protective gear. A family company founded by Paul and Pam Mott and Nicole Mellom in San Diego, California.
So, Paul told Newsweek that his family came up with the idea for the pet body armor after their dog Buffy was killed by a coyote during a trip to a local park in 2015.
Four years later, the family pitched their pet protective wear to investors on ABC's Shark Tank.
CoyoteVests are made with Kevlar, a material commonly used for bulletproof vests and body armor worn by law enforcement. They feature removable spikes around the neck and sides of the back.
The price ranges from $99.95 to $129.95. Depending on the vest size, the Coyote Whiskers are an add-on accessory that costs $19.95.
'Colorful whiskers have been helpful against coyotes because they make your dog look different. So they go for easier prey,' Pam told Newsweek.
'They're also great to scare off hawks because they don't like those pokey sticks. That's why you see them on the top of buildings too.'
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, it is essential for Chihuahua owners to stay vigilant and keep a close eye on their furry companions, especially when walking their pets.
With their small size, Chihuahuas can be vulnerable to predatory birds like hawks, which have been known to target and snatch small pups. By remaining close and supervising outdoor activities, owners can help protect their beloved Chihuahuas and scare off hawks that try to grab them and fly away.
Creating a safe and secure environment ensures that these adorable pups can continue to bring joy and companionship to their families without unnecessary risks. Remember, the bond between owners and their Chihuahuas can be a crucial factor in keeping them safe and sound.