Woof Woof! How to Score a Canine Companion in Grand Theft Auto Online (Because Cats are EVIL)
Let's face it, cruising the neon-drenched streets of Los Santos in a souped-up sports car can get lonely. You need a wingman, a co-pilot for chaos, someone to lick your tear gas-stained face after a particularly messy heist. That's where a dog comes in. But wait a minute, you cry (probably into your expensive, bullet-ridden fedora), GTA Online doesn't have pets! Hold your horses (or should we say, hold your attack poodles?), because while you can't exactly buy a fluffy friend at Petco, there's a way to snag a loyal canine companion.
Befriending Chop, Franklin's Furry Fury
Yep, we're talking about Chop, Franklin's adorable (and occasionally murderous) Rottweiler from the story mode. Here's the scoop:
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Franklin and Lamar Need Your Help (Kind Of): Play through the story mode mission "Franklin and Lamar". It's pretty hard to miss, Lamar's taste in hats practically screams "mandatory story mission." During this epic tale of repossession and questionable life choices, you'll encounter Chop. Just follow the flashing lights, the explosions, and the vaguely threatening barks.
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Saving Private Chop (Accidentally): The mission goes south (as things often do in Los Santos), and you gotta save Chop from some very unsavory characters. Don't worry, it's more of a "follow the yellow brick road" situation than "John Wick: Canine Edition."
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Surprise! You're a Dog Walker Now!: After rescuing Chop, Lamar (ever the responsible pet owner...not really) ditches the pup on you. Head back to Franklin's crib, and voila! Chop will be chilling in the backyard, ready to be your partner in crime...or, you know, fetch.
Chop: More Than Just a Pretty Bark-ace
Now, Chop isn't exactly a trained attack dog (although, he has been known to maul the occasional mailman). Here's what you can expect from your new homie:
- Walks and Fetch (Because Who Else Will?) : You can take Chop for walks, which might be the healthiest activity you do in the entire game. You can also play fetch, although if you're throwing grenades or sticky bombs, that's on you.
- A Moral Compass (Maybe): Chop will occasionally alert you to nearby threats, which is helpful unless said threat is a rival gang with rocket launchers.
- Unwavering Loyalty (Unless There's a Hot Dog): Chop will always have your back...until he sees a particularly enticing hot dog stand. Loyalty is a fickle thing.
There you have it! With a little help from Lamar's questionable pet ownership skills, you can have a dog in GTA Online. Just remember, with great canine companionship comes great responsibility (and the occasional vet bill after a particularly explosive game of fetch). Now get out there and show Los Santos who's the top dog (or should we say, top human with a dog?)