Pet of the week: Meet Peanut Butter, a 4-year-old dog who plays video games

Peanut Butter has gained a lot of attention for making his debut as the first-ever dog to compete in the biggest 'speedrunning' game event in the world. This adorable dog stole the show in a Minneapolis event hall when he stepped up to play the popular Nintendo game, causing participants to cheer every time he made the right move.

The event was also transmitted via livestream, and many online users tuned in to see Peanut Butter's concentration and skills on full display. James Stephens, a fan of the game, taught his dog to play, and now they both share a special bond. 

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James explained to IGN that he was practicing. "That was when it dawned on me that he could totally take the role of R.O.B the robot," he revealed, as the game was designed to play with R.O.B the robot to help gamers throughout the progress. "It only took about nine months before he was able to run!" the proud owner said to the publication.

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Fast forward to the event, James shared what was going through his mind with The Washington Post. “It was the greatest moment of my life,” James said. “I didn’t know what to expect, and he just nailed it,” he added.

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“You’re seeing somebody who, he licks his own butt,” Stephens said to the publication. “He shouldn’t be playing video games. And yet, he can do it, and he’s really good at it.” James also shared that Peanut Butter was in complete focus throughout the game. “PB was the most locked in I’ve ever seen,” he explained. “He’s a total diva.”

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As reported by The Washington Post, "the duo raised over $23,000 for Doctors Without Borders from donations made during Peanut Butter’s run, according to Games Done Quick, which organized both charity events. Donation funds were also raised from sales of merchandise, including shirts with the dog’s face."

James is teaching Peanut Butter to play with another level of complexity on his controller. However, for now, James agrees with the rest of his fans that he is "the coolest dog."