Viral dog Zawg’s death leaves millions mourning

Fans around the world are mourning the loss of Hampton, better known as "Zawg," a beloved senior dog who gained viral fame on TikTok and Instagram. 

Zawg’s owner, known as @oswaldbillybarthomeul, confirmed the news of his passing on January 25, 2025, through an emotional post on social media.

Zawg rose to fame alongside his canine companion, "Schlawg," for their quirky and often hilarious videos that amassed over 853,000 followers and 65 million likes on TikTok, along with 256,000 followers on Instagram. Their page was a hub for funny, bizarre content, with the "Zawg / Schlawg" trend becoming a hallmark of their uploads. This trend involved swapping the "d" in "dawg" with "zawg" or "schlawg" in captions paired with comical dog moments.

Following the announcement, tributes poured in across social media. YouTube star IShowSpeed shared his condolences, writing, “Praying for you. I know that feeling—it’s going to be alright.” Fans also expressed their grief, with one commenting, “Zawg made me happy every time he popped up on my FYP. He will be deeply missed.”

The loss of Zawg has left a lasting impact on his followers, who will remember him as a source of joy and laughter in their lives.