Step aside, Cillian Murphy, as a new star is causing a stir in the Oscar buzz arena.
Meet Zeus, a German shepherd who might just be a dog, but he’s currently captivating audiences worldwide with a thought-provoking video shared on TikTok by mobile pet groomer Kabooky Jones.
The video showcases Zeus, taking center stage in an age-old battle that every dog and their human companion can relate to: bath time. And if there’s one thing clear from the video, it’s Zeus’s determination to avoid it at all costs.
His tactics? A masterful performance of pretending to be asleep. Zeus’s display of cunning and deception in an attempt to dodge a much-needed bath is nothing short of impressive.
However, Jones is no stranger to these antics. Having encountered numerous dogs attempting to escape bath time by feigning sleep, she’s not easily fooled.
But what Jones does appreciate is the humor in Zeus’s efforts. So much so, she captured his performance and shared it on her TikTok page, where it has since amassed over 6.2 million views. You can watch the hilarious escapade here.
Zeus’s antics not only provided laughter but also shed light on dogs’ capacity for deception. This was similarly highlighted in a 2017 study published in the Journal Animal Cognition, where 27 dogs were observed for their ability to deceive humans based on their behavior.
During the study, dogs demonstrated they would lead a “cooperative” human partner to a box with a preferred food item, while a “competitive” partner would be guided to an empty box. Zeus’s bath avoidance tactics align with these findings, showcasing a different but equally cunning form of deception.
His performance has garnered significant attention on social media, with viewers praising his acting skills. Comments ranged from calling him a “paid actor” to comparing him to Ross from “Friends.” Others found his behavior relatable, drawing parallels to their pets and even their children.
Newsweek has reached out to Jones for further comments.
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