10
Loading video...
By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Social media never fails to find humor in challenging situations, like a viral video of a dog wearing a mask before a walk in wildfire-stricken Southern California.
The TikTok video featuring Ralphie, a rescued dachshund who is seen reluctantly donning an N95 respirator, has garnered over 1.1 million views in less than 24 hours, with some viewers laughing.
Ralphie's owner, actress and comedian Sarah Rachel Lazarus (@sarahrlazarus), shared the clip with the caption: "LA may be in an apocalypse, but at least my sausage is giving me laughter."
Read More on Pets
"Being a part of the Gen Z generation has taught me to prepare to live through unprecedented times," the 27-year-old told Newsweek. "As the fires began to rage, I had that same eerie feeling I had when COVID started—that the world around me was going to change in a very short amount of time."
...
Lazarus, who lives in the Hollywood area, confirmed her home is OK but she has decided to leave the area to stay with her parents in Florida.
In the footage, three-year-old Ralphie wears the snug-fitting N95 mask designed to filter airborne particles. He stands perfectly still, moving only his eyes, and is clearly unimpressed. The on-screen text explains that the mask is necessary because of the poor "air quality from the fires."
Behind the camera, Lazarus can be heard coaxing Ralphie, saying he must go for a walk, mask and all. "He hates me so much," she wrote.
She told Newsweek: "He wore it for a couple of minutes but did not make it fully through the whole walk."
The wildfires raging in Southern California, including nearly 3,000 acres burned in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades neighborhood, have forced evacuations of around 30,000 residents. They include Lazarus, who said she has relocated to San Diego.
The smoke from the fires contains tiny particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which poses significant health risks, such as eye irritation and heart and lung problems, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
The video has received countless comments praising Lazarus for protecting her dog.
One user wrote, "Hate that you have to do this, but love that you are protecting him."
Others joked about Ralphie's apparent reluctance to wear the mask.
"He's like, 'I look ridiculous, and the other dogs will laugh at me. Let's not even talk about what the cats will say,'" said one commenter.
Another wrote, "He's like, 'Uhhhh, I'm not going anywhere in this contraption.'"
Despite Ralphie's evident displeasure, his expressive eyes have won over viewers. A fourth commenter said, "He said nothing, but those eyes spoke a million words at the same time."
Another summed up the sentiment: "This gave me a much-needed laugh. Hoping for safety for you two."
Despite the lighthearted nature of Ralphie's video, it serves as a reminder of the serious dangers posed by the wildfires. While Lazarus and Ralphie are safe, the devastating fires have claimed the lives of at least five people and engulfed over 27,000 acres across Los Angeles County in the past two days.
The Palisades fire, now the most destructive wildfire in L.A.'s history, has burned more than 15,832 acres, destroyed over 1,100 structures and displaced thousands of residents. The tragedy underscores the importance of prioritizing safety and preparedness during such catastrophic events.
Update 01/14/25 03:59 a.m. ET: The original content and comments from Sarah Rachel Lazarus were added to the article.
If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work and your story could be featured in Newsweek's What Should I Do? section.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines