London - With her immaculately groomed long dark locks and dignified poise, she has the same attributes as many a social media superstar.
But Tea is not a Hollywood starlet or catwalk model – she’s a five-year-old black Afghan hound whose silky coat has made her an internet sensation.
Tea had won many awards as a show dog in Australia but found worldwide fame after her recent retirement – when a photo of her was shared more than a million times. It shows her sitting on a bench staring into the distance, her extraordinarily long hair splayed out so that it covers the wooden seat.
Owner Luke Kavanagh said he was not surprised that Tea had created such a following as she was ‘far too pretty to keep at home’. He said: ‘Even our weekend walks draw a crowd. She pretends she doesn’t need the attention, but she definitely loves it, just like any supermodel.
Tea the Afghan hound is a decorated Australian show dog who gained a huge online following… https://t.co/QHy4uTErjt pic.twitter.com/ppVK1Z2cLp
— David Trender (@IceTrends) October 24, 2016
‘I guess people were mostly drawn to [the photo] because of her silky coat coupled with that dignified look that Tea has, but that’s just her being her.’
Tea’s show career and new-found online fame has earned her roles promoting pet food and a dog perfume.
Kavanagh, a father of two, retired Tea from shows because it was taking too much time to groom her. ‘On show day she exemplifies Afghan hound, she is dignified, aloof and most certainly displays a keen fierceness,’ he said. ‘At home she is such a character and really loving her retirement.’
Daily Mail