Vladimir Putin Saves A Pup From An Awkward ‘Scruffing’ By Turkmenistan President, Wins The Internet Big Time

Vladimir Putin earned a rare approval from the internet after receiving a puppy from the Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov in Sochi, Russia, on October 11, 2017. The praises followed after the Russian strongman seemingly saved his new Turkmen Shepherd pup (also known as Alabai dog) from an awkward “scruffing” done by his Turkmen counterpart.

Clearly, Berdymukhamedov has no intention to hurt the dog since it was shipped to Russia as a belated gift for Putin, who has celebrated his 65th birthday last October 7.

However, the way Berdymukhamedov picked up the young dog has caught the ire of several dog lovers and animal activists on the internet. The Turkmen leader grabbed his dog gift by the scruff of its neck and people found it inappropriate.

Despite the potential backlash, Berdymukhamedov proceed with the turnover ceremony and told Vladimir Putin, “We have a common friend. This is the world’s unique alabai dog.”

“And today I brought this little alabai with me,” he added.

What is a dog or cat’s scruff?

The scruff is the partly loose skin present behind the animal’s neck. Pet trainers are often seen grabbing their pets by the scruff or “scruffing” because this trick serves many purposes, especially for handling and instructions.

Meanwhile, according to Pets Canada, “scruffing” is not generally advised for humans because it may potentially injure the pet. This action promotes submissive behavior in the animal. Most animals like cats and dogs naturally learn this gentle way of submission during the neonatal period.

Putin And His Love For His Pets

It may be hard to believe but the long-time Russian leader has a special love for animals, especially for dogs. Proof to this is the numerous times world leaders opted to gift him pups during state visits and his birthday celebrations.

Vladimir Putin is naming his new pupper Verny, which means “faithful” in Russian, Reuters reported. Vermy is Putin’s third dog received as a gift. The first one is a Bulgarian shepherd named Buffy from Bulgaria’s premier, and an Akita named Yume from a Japanese official. He’s also been given horses and a tiger in the past.

[Featured Image by Maxim Shemetov/AP Images]