Miss Your Pals? Now You Can Send Your Friends Virtual Puppies

When times get tough, you can count on dogs to raise your spirits. And due to the coronavirus pandemic, you probably know more than a few people who could use a wagging tail right about now. The American Kennel Club launched a program designed to cheer up deserving dog lovers with kind messages from “PupPals,” and yes, you can send yourself a PupPal message, too.

The AKC PupPal program was initially instated to send sweet videos of dogs and their owners to those with an illness, suffering a loss, or deployed abroad and away from family. However, due to the current global crisis, the AKC has expanded the program so that anyone can be nominated to receive a PupPal message.

“The AKC PupPals Program provides people in need of uplifting with a message from a canine friend,” the AKC PupPal page reads. “Anyone that would enjoy a PupPal is welcome to join.”

To send someone a PupPal message, simply nominate them via the AKC PupPals Request Form. Nominating a friend in need is completely free, and if chosen, they will receive their message within 8-10 business days. Each message is under one minute in length and features a pup speaking through the voice of their owner.

If you’re a dog owner, you can sign your own pup up for the program. Your dog can be any age and breed, and your video should show your dog doing a special trick or something that makes them awesomely unique.

Participating PupPals receive an e-certificate thanking them for being part of the program (like “Little Lyra” here).

All information shared by either recipient or PupPal volunteer is kept completely anonymous, and all videos are sent via the AKC.