OHIO — Many Ohioans likely had to celebrate Easter a little differently this year — with virtual masses and family dinners. 

That's why one Ohio dog is taking his new job very seriously to spread joy during the holiday and beyond. 

"Out of 4,000 contestants he made it to the top 10," explains proud dog mom Laura Person.  "And then it was all in the public’s hands, the voting was open for two weeks.  So when we got the phone call saying he was the winner, I was so excited."

Lt. Dan was named after the character in Forest Gump who had to have his legs amputated.  

He's a coonhound and will be two years old in May.  

Lt. Dan has also been named the new Cadbury Bunny, tasked with spreading smiles and messages of inclusivity on social media. 

"He doesn’t know he’s any different," Person says. "He knows that 'I can keep going and I can live a happy life.' He shows that you can still accomplish anything that you want to accomplish," said Person.

This happy-go-lucky pup was adopted by a family in New Richmond, Ohio, right outside of Cincinnati, after they pulled him from a rescue in Florida when he was five months old.

"He was already trying to walk around on his two front legs. His back legs and his tail were clearly misshapen.  They said he kind of came out that way but otherwise he was growing and thriving," Person said.

Person works for a specialty animal hospital, so she knew she was equipped to help him.  

Lt. Dan would eventually have two surgeries to amputate his deformed hind legs and broken tail, and even get his own pair of wheels.

"Give these dogs a chance," Person says. "They can have a happy and full life and be a great companion for you.  He tries to wrestle and play with the other dogs, just like any other dog. He loves to roll around, he loves to chase and play ball, and frisbee. He holds his own around the bigger dogs."

This adorable, goofy boy will have to wait a little longer to tape his Cadburry commercial, thanks to the coronavirus and Ohio's stay-at-home order.  

In the meantime, he's already hopping into hearts around the world 

In addition to winning a commercial, Lt. Dan also won $5,000, which has helped pay his medical bills, his specialty food, supplements, and his diaper.

You can follow Lt. Dan on Instagram.