"Forgive Him If He's Napping" — Rescued Epileptic Dog Working As Bistro Cashier Goes Viral
He's a paw-fessional.
Here's hoping that no human or robot ever takes away this adorable pup's job!
Image via Tikya Garden Bistro (Facebook)
Popoy, a former stray, has not been working long as the cashier at Tikya Garden Bistro in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, but it seems everyone already adores him.
The restaurant shared a Facebook post on 14 January, announcing their new "GCash-ier", which quickly went viral with more than 113,000 reactions and 38,000 shares.
"He is a rescued epileptic dog and has been training to sit for half a year," the restaurant wrote.
As Popoy is still learning the ropes, the restaurant asks customers to be patient if he's caught napping on the job.
"Although he is a good boy, please forgive Popoy if he's always on break or sleeping – he's still new to the job!" the restaurant joked.
The owners found Popoy hiding under a tricycle outside the bistro in May 2024
Owner Jenny Ann Chu initially thought he was lost and waited for an owner to claim him.
"He looked scared and super skinny," Chu recalled, as reported in NewsWatch Plus.
But when no one claimed him, she and her husband adopted the stray and named him "Popoy" after a character in the Filipino movie, One More Chance.
The family took Popoy for a wellness check-up at a veterinary clinic and found that he suffered from epilepsy. But thankfully, he outgrew those episodes.
"It took more than a year for Popoy to learn how to sit after his rescue," she said.
Image via Tikya Garden Bistro (Facebook)
Before his days as a "GCash-ier", Popoy was already a charmer, often receiving pats from customers with his friendly nature.
And so, the owners decided to give him a role at the bistro.
"I told my husband, let's put a QR code on him, since he's such an extroverted dog, then he'll really get noticed by our customers, especially when they bring dogs," Ann said, according to Philippine Star.
Equipped with a QR code necklace for easy e-wallet payments, Popoy now greets customers with a wagging tail and a ready smile.
Image via Tikya Garden Bistro (Facebook)
Netizens have been charmed by Popoy's dedication to his job (even if he does take frequent "breaks" and naps)
The comments section has been flooded with an outpouring of love for Popoy, as well as helpful tips for his wellbeing.
Many have cautioned against using flash photography, which could trigger seizures, and advised to not feed him bones, which can be harmful to his digestive system.
"Bones are dangerous because they clog the tummies or intestines of dogs, especially small to medium breeds. They can't digest them. Be extra careful. God bless you, [Popoy]!" a concerned netizen commented, urging the restaurant to be cautious with Popoy's diet.
Image via Facebook
Meanwhile, this cat "working" at a bar in Thai doesn't seem too excited about its job:
Read more heartwarming stories about animals:
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