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Dog who looks ‘like someone squished a bullfrog into a meatball’ gets a family

This little meatball head is no longer up for adoption.
This little meatball head is no longer up for adoption. Photo screen grab from Helping Hands Humane Society's Facebook post

A dog with an A+ personality has a new family to love on him after spending some time in a Kansas animal shelter.

Formerly known as Mario, this cutie pup appears to be a blend of pug and bulldog based on looks alone, and while he may have some sinus issues, it appears that he managed to charm the entire Helping Hands Humane Society staff.

“This is Mario,” the shelter said in an April 5 Facebook post. “He’s built like a tank, shaped like a loaf, and snorts like a freight train with allergies. At just 1 year old and 37 pounds, this compact bulldog might look like someone squished a bullfrog into a meatball—but in the cutest way possible.”

Based on his description alone, the dog captured hearts easily, and managed to have his heart get stolen too.

“Mario is passionate about:

“Tennis balls (he doesn’t play fetch, he just hoards them in his mouth)

“Snacks (they are the only thing that gets him to drop the tennis balls)

“Belly rubs (mandatory before any activity, including blinking),” the Topeka shelter said.

“He may have eyes that point in different directions, but they both scream ‘take me home.’”

And go home, he did. The shelter updated the post with the good news of his adoption and his brand new (apropos) name: Mr. Beefy.

For information on other animals waiting for homes, visit the shelter’s website.

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This story was originally published April 7, 2025 at 1:27 PM with the headline "Dog who looks ‘like someone squished a bullfrog into a meatball’ gets a family."

TJ Macias
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
TJ Macías is a Real-Time national sports reporter for McClatchy based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Formerly, TJ covered the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers beat for numerous media outlets including 24/7 Sports and Mavs Maven (Sports Illustrated). Twitter: @TayloredSiren
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