One more pupper has joined the ranks of countless other furry friends who've graced the internet with their adorable, strange ways and captured the hearts of online onlookers without even trying or knowing.
But rather than stealing the limelight for political peeing, bizarre personality antics, or a colorful coat, in this recent viral video, it was the doggo's athletic prowess that launched him to viral fame.
At a high school track and field event in Utah, as one team's final runner in a four person sprint relay tore around the final turn to keep the lead until the finish, a small dog burst out of the spectator area and ran alongside the high school athlete.
Lo and behold, with a long enough straightaway to really get their legs moving, the dog overtook the runner and surged on to finish the race in first place.
Of course, without a high school association—or human consciousness—the dog was not crowned the true victor.
But the roars of the crowd alone show that there was no shortage of enthusiasm for the late entry.
According to KSL, the final runner who faced off against the dog was Logan High School senior Gracie Laney.
She was more than happy to walk the news outlet through her experience on the track that day:
"At first, I thought it was another runner and I was surprised because we had a pretty good lead."
"As it got closer, I thought, 'That's too small to be a person,' and then I noticed it was a dog."
There was, however, a hairpin moment of concern during the whole ordeal, Laney recalled.
"When the dog crossed in my lane, I was afraid that I was going to trip over it, and then I was worried that I was going to spike it with my spikes."
"It all happened so fast."
People who saw the video on Instagram were absolutely loving it.
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Some were impressed by the dog's attitude through it all, which was clearly on display.
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So next time you find yourself relaxing a track meet, hanging out with your dog by your side, be sure to have that pupper secured.
Or, of course, bring a stop watch along.
@LauraLoomer/X
