Tuna (n): A fish. Also the most inspiring, influential + spiritual dog on the internet. See also: Underbites.
In just two years' time, a former orphan from southern California named Tuna has simultaneously redefined the definition of "tuna" while becoming a worldwide sensation. His story is in many ways a "rags to riches" story and inspires millions and millions of people daily.
Come along as BuzzFeed Animals spends an afternoon with him.
But first, get to know Tuna a bit more:
Found abandoned on the side of a highway outside of San Diego, Tuna has defied all odds and expectations. "You know, you would never guess. One day I'm barely hanging on. The next, I'm here talking to you," Tuna chuckles.
With his signature overbite smile, Tuna has captured the attention and hearts of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.
He is definitive proof of that old Christina Aguilera adage, "You are beautiful no matter what they say. Words can't bring you down-own-own."
With his legions of fans, Tuna has taken an unconventional route for using his fame. He uses it for good.
He is particularly active in the "body positive" movement. "I absolutely love the body positive moment. It's just...so important."
His unretouched and barely filtered 'grams show his dedication to the movement at its best.
Because frankly, Tuna does not give a damn.
"There will always be haters. There will always be lovers. I'm the latter," Tuna says.
Also he loves his fans. All of them.
Anyways, the normally media-shy Tuna offered up an extremely rare interview opportunity with BuzzFeed Animals. Tuna is ready for world domination.
We arrived at 11 a.m., and Tuna was playing a game of basketball. He's way more buff than he looks in pictures.
Working out is important to Tuna. "It's good for my brain. My reflexes. My life," he says.
He takes his shirt off and introduces us to his friends.
"I love my people. They keep me sane."
"I don't know where I'd be without them."
After a quick shower he joined us outside in a little Batman shirt.
"Oh, this old thing."
But Tuna's true passion has nothing to do with showing off. He really wants to reach people with his message that true beauty comes from the inside.
Tuna's latest project, appropriately called {eMpOwermEnt}, is a simple application of a powerful message and a whiteboard.
It's all very endearing.
But Tuna's personal brand is also really important to him and he didn't want to let us leave without giving us a fashion show first.
He describes this first outfit as "Santa Claus meets the Easter Bunny meets businessman fusion. I'm unconventional. I love fusions."
Then he put a turkey on his back.
After a quick snack in his super-fab "Cute 24/7" bib, Tuna showed us his future Instagram outfit mega-like-generator.
Fairy wings! "They're cute. I love them."
The sun bonnet portion of the fashion show was the perfect segue to a conversation about Tuna's other great passion, nature.
"I love nature. It goes with my message. Be who you are, we are all flowers inside."
Later that evening we caught up with him and his lady friend, Jennifer.
The two have been dating for a few months. "She's great. She's really supportive of me." The two share a few moments before he motions to us that it's time to leave.
We catch up to Tuna in bed a few moments later. He thanks us for stopping by. We say good-bye. He says, "You're beautiful...no matter what they say."
