As World Cup fever sweeps Mexico City, a rescue dog named Osito has become an unlikely sensation. The 8-year-old poodle mix has been riding on the back of a cargo bicycle, dressed in a Mexico jersey, sunglasses, and a cap, and has stolen the hearts of many fans.

Osito’s Rise to Fame

Osito’s owner, Jorge Rangel, has been taking him on daily rounds delivering household products across Mexico City for the past two years. The pair has become a familiar sight, with Osito sitting calmly in a back compartment, greeting passersby and drawing smiles from strangers.

When the World Cup arrived, Rangel saw an opportunity to introduce Osito to an even larger audience. He spent weeks preparing for the tournament, gathering accessories and adapting a pair of sunglasses to fit the dog. He dressed Osito in a national team jersey and decorated the bicycle, hoping to stand out among the crowds heading to the stadium.

The response exceeded Rangel’s expectations, with thousands of fans stopping to snap photos, pet the dog, and post videos online. Within hours, Osito was appearing on international broadcasts and spreading across social media, transforming the bicycle-riding dog into one of the World Cup’s most charming viral stars.

A Bond Between Man and Dog

For Rangel, the attention is less about internet fame than the companionship he shares with Osito. The dog has been an emotional lifeline for Rangel, who adopted him years ago during a difficult period in his life.

Today, the two spend nearly every day together, with Osito accompanying Rangel on his daily rounds. If Rangel leaves without him, Osito protests with something he rarely does: bark. Their bond is evident to the strangers who encounter them on the streets, with many people approaching Rangel to say that seeing Osito had brightened an otherwise stressful day.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.