Tuna, the Chiweenie With an Overbite, Melts My Heart

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If you think Tuna’s photos are cute, let me assure you he’s even more adorable in person. I’m not the only underbites-are-cool believer, either. Tuna’s website and Instagram page have attracted fans (more than 1.6 million) from all over.

What makes Tuna so special? Tuna’s human, Courtney Dasher, said, “He is so unconventional looking and, because of his unique features, he makes people laugh.”

She believes that his unique look challenges people to acknowledge that true beauty comes in all different packages.

“I like to say that true beauty captivates our hearts,” she said, “and not just our eyes, and I think Tuna does that well … he captivates our hearts.”

Tuna in his Easter costume. (Photo courtesy Tuna Melts My Heart Facebook page)

Tuna has some love, too, for his best friend, Colin, a stuffed doll from Monster Factory. “He’s on his fourth Colin,” Courtney said. He also loves his Snuggie, a faux-fur bundle bed, and all of his sweaters. “Tuna is a short-haired Chiweenie, so he really appreciates being warm all the time!”

Tuna is not just another adorable face. He is actually a dog on a mission.

“Since Tuna is a rescue himself, he has really risen up to be an ambassador for animal rescue,” Courtney explained. “We try to point everything back to that, whether it’s by raising awareness for animal adoption/foster or by initiating fundraising campaigns to provide financial support for rescue groups.”

She added that a portion of proceeds from the Tuna Melts My Heart product line goes back to supporting a variety of rescue groups.

So, what’s next for Tuna and Courtney?

Courtney wrote a book, Tuna Melts My Heart: The Underdog With The Overbite, about Tuna’s daily activities along with new photos. Next up: A children’s book series where Tuna encourages his readers to love one another with excellence.

“I also travel a lot with him,” Courtney said, “so I want to start a new Instagram called The Traveling Tuna, where he would be an ambassador and recommender for pet-friendly accommodations.”

Follow Tuna on Instagram at @tunameltsmyheart, his website, and on Facebook.

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