Alabama woman stops at gas station. Then a man makes her an unexpected offer: ‘Everyone meet Choppa…’

An Alabama woman took a routine stop at a gas station, only to meet a new family member. TikToker Heynonda (@heynonda) said a stranger who was also stopped offered to sell her a dog for $20. So she became the proud owner of a new puppy.

In her clip, which has more than 11,300 views, Heynonda explained that she initially thought the man was joking. But then she panned the camera down to reveal the newest member of her family.

 “Everyone meet Choppa,” she announced, introducing viewers to the white puppy.

Heynonda gave her audience more information about Choppa in the comments. She said the stranger told her the puppy was a Great Pyrenees/American pit bull mix.

The $20 deal had viewers celebrating what they saw as an incredible bargain. One commenter said it was the “best $20 ever spent.” Another admitted that they wished they were so lucky.

Someone else shared their own unexpected puppy story. “I left Hardee's with a free puppy—the BEST 15yrs of my life,” they stated.

Some viewers questioned Choppa's background

Not everyone was ready to celebrate the surprise adoption. A few commenters pointed out that there was no way to know if the dog was stolen. They were concerned that someone might be looking for him.

Others cautioned Heynonda about the dog's health status. They questioned whether the dog had received vaccines or been checked for illnesses.

One commenter gave their own cautionary story. They recalled bringing home a Great Pyrenees puppy and discovering it had parvo. They added that although the puppy survived, they unknowingly exposed all the other animals in their home to it as well.

That concern is particularly relevant with young puppies.

@heynonda POV: You stopped for gas… and somehow left with a puppy. Meet our little gas station surprise. I have no idea where this journey is going, but we're documenting every step from Day 1. Follow along and help me watch her grow. #PuppyTok #DogTok #RescueDog #NewPuppy #DogSoftiktok ♬ original sound – heynonda

What is parvo?

Parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, is highly contagious and can be especially dangerous for unvaccinated puppies. It can spread through contaminated feces and objects. Symptoms can include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and dehydration.

Dogs with severe infection need immediate intensive treatment and 24/7 monitoring. Treatment often involves several days of hospitalization. 

Canine parvovirus usually infects growing cells in a dog's intestines or bone marrow. Puppies between six weeks and six months old are most vulnerable to parvo, as are certain dog breeds. The list includes Doberman pinschers, English springer spaniels, German shepherds, Rottweilers, and pit bull-mixes. 

Choppa's American pit bull background helps explain why viewers were concerned for the puppy's health.

What is the Great Pyrenees breed?

Most people may have heard of American pit bulls. The Great Pyrenees breed, however, is slightly less recognized.

The American Kennel Club describes the Great Pyrenees as a large, powerful working breed. The dog was developed to protect livestock from predators such as wolves. Great Pyrenees can grow to roughly 25 to 32 inches tall and weigh between 85 and 100 pounds.

The dog could easily triple or quadruple in size if it carries those genetics.

So what can a new puppy owner expect to pay?

In the U.S., a puppy's first veterinary visit can cost roughly $100 to $350, depending on the clinic and services provided. 

The visit may include a physical examination, vaccinations, fecal testing, and deworming. Additional expenses could come from microchipping or other testing. Since Choppa's age, vaccination history, and medical background are reportedly unknown, getting the dog checked by a veterinarian could be one of the most important investments that comes with the unexpected puppy.

For Heynonda, the $20 price tag could quickly become the smallest cost of bringing the dog home.

Has there been a follow-up on Choppa?

Since the original video, Heynonda has shared several follow-up videos giving viewers a glimpse of how Choppa is doing. Based on the updates posted so far, the puppy appears to be healthy, active, and settling into its new home.

In a comment to Buzz News, Heynonda said, “Her name was changed to nezuko, and she's 3 months old now weighing in at 23lbs. She's doing great!”

Buzz News reached out to Heynonda via TikTok direct message for comment.