Dogs are incredible animals, they are also maybe the most beloved animals in the entire hierarchy of human affection for other species. So, it's no surprise that a dog has become Brazil's most beloved furry internet sensation. Added to that the fact that this dog was rescued and turned into a police mascot, and you have a recipe for affection.

Dubbed "Corporal Oliveira," the dog was taken in by Rio police officer Cristiano Oliveira, who found him in 2019 near his police station abandoned, injured and hungry.

The dog – decked out in a police uniform with a toy gun strapped in and sunglasses – has become the official mascot of the Rio de Janeiro Military Police's 17th batallion, patrolling alongside his officer and running beside motorbikes.

"I took a coat, a police shirt and put it on him as a joke. I took a picture and sent it to our station’s roster groups and posted them there," said Oliveira. "And then the joke started going viral."

Now, the furry corporal has his own Instagram account with more than 117,000 followers.

"If I don't post a picture for three days people are already demanding ‘Where is Oliveira?’ ‘Where did Oliveira go?’" said the officer, laughing.