For many devoted dog owners, the fear of their furry companion being stolen looms large—especially when it comes to rare or high-value breeds that often catch the eye of unscrupulous thieves.
But one woman’s rather unorthodox approach to protecting her prized pooch has stirred a digital tempest, drawing applause from some quarters while raising eyebrows in others.
Chloe, proud guardian of a 2-year-old Great Pyrenees named Dandy, has taken a strikingly unconventional route to deter would-be dognappers. Dandy doesn’t just stand out because of his impressive size—he sports a fiery, unmistakable coat of bright red fur, thanks to Chloe’s creative use of pet-safe dye.
Her strategy? Make Dandy so visually distinct that he becomes too conspicuous to steal. And while the internet can’t seem to agree on whether this tactic is brilliant or bizarre, one thing is certain: Chloe’s vivid canine companion is impossible to miss.
@danthebigreddog Damn, Dandy. You’re red!❤️ #clifford #cliffordthebigreddog #bigred #dogsofttiktok #dogmom #dandelion #nostalgia #childrensbooks #funnydog #pawsome ♬ Tasty Carrots by Shou – goalsounds
Chloe’s bold move to transform Dandy into a crimson-coated canine sparked an immediate firestorm of reactions across TikTok. Some users couldn’t hide their disapproval, flooding the comments with sympathetic remarks like “poor dog,” and questioning whether the dye was safe for his health.
Others, however, were completely enchanted by Dandy’s standout style, drawing playful comparisons to the beloved children’s character Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Addressing the growing buzz, Chloe stepped forward to reassure her audience: the dye she uses is not only vegan but specifically formulated to be pet-safe, reportedly from the Opawz product line. In follow-up clips, she delved into the reasoning behind Dandy’s vivid transformation—clarifying that the eye-catching hue wasn’t just for flair, but a strategic defense to make her dog instantly recognizable and far less appealing to potential thieves.
@danthebigreddog Reply to @cschubach979 this is for you and anyone else asking why? Because we can! That’s why. 🙂 #cliffordthebigreddog #LevisMusicProject #fyp #cute ♬ Island In The Sun – Weezer
Chloe revealed that one of her key motivations behind Dandy’s fiery makeover was to deter theft—explaining that Great Pyrenees dogs are a rarity in her region, making him a potential target.
She also noted that the bold red hue seems to suit Dandy’s sociable spirit. The pup, who thrives on human attention and adores children, apparently becomes “more approachable” with his vibrant coat, drawing curious glances and friendly encounters wherever he goes.
Beyond aesthetics and safety, Chloe hopes to spark broader awareness. Her aim, she said, is to educate fellow pet owners about safe and ethical coloring practices. In a series of videos, she walks her followers through the dyeing process, offering step-by-step guidance on how to give their own dogs a safe and stylish tint—emphasizing, always, the use of animal-friendly products.
Dandy’s crimson-coated cameos have lit up TikTok, racking up over 10 million likes and drawing in a following of more than 318,000 curious viewers. But with viral fame comes scrutiny.
Critics have not held back, casting doubt on Chloe’s motives. Some argue that the vivid dye job is less about thwarting would-be dog thieves and more about attracting online clout. In their eyes, the safety rationale rings hollow—an eye-catching gimmick cloaked in concern.
Yet, despite the skepticism, the conversation continues to swirl—somewhere between curiosity and controversy—keeping Dandy squarely in the spotlight.
Defenders of Chloe’s decision have stepped forward, highlighting the obvious: Dandy appears joyful, well-loved, and entirely unaware of his vivid transformation. To a dog, color is a concept without meaning—and as long as the process is safe and cruelty-free, many argue the choice is entirely within the owner’s rights.
Still, the digital spotlight has dimmed in recent months. Though his TikTok boasts viral status, no new videos have surfaced since February. Over on Instagram, Dandy’s last update came in July—and in it, he’s back to his natural snow-white coat, the fiery dye having long since faded into memory.
Chloe wrote that he “needs a touch up,” and said that he would be “red soon,” and it’s unclear what color Dandy is currently.
But a notable number of the comments urged her not to re-dye the dog, preferring Dandy in his “true colors.”
What do you think of this decision to dye Dandy bright red? Is it a fun way to keep the dog safe from kidnappers, or unnecessary and poor treatment?