XL Bully Owner Questioned Over Kids' Safety—Her Home Footage Goes Viral
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A video capturing the emotional reaction of an XL bully named Meko when his human sisters are away has gone viral, touching viewers across the internet.
The clip, shared on Instagram by Ione Harvey (@mejo_xlbully), 30, from Manchester, in the U.K., shows Meko visibly sad and waiting patiently for his young companions to return.
In the second half of the video, the dog's transformation is undeniable—his tail wags furiously, and he showers them with affection the moment they walk through the door. The post has garnered over 244,000 views and more than 85,000 likes on Instagram.
Harvey told Newsweek: "Meko has two human sisters, and they've grown up side by side. Their bond is truly something special. They've been inseparable from Day One—he protects them, plays with them, and shares every moment with them.
"When they're away, it's like a part of him is missing, and Meko is visibly sad—he'll wait in their bedroom for hours, listening for the sound of the door, tail ready to wag the moment they come home. They're not just 'his family'—they're his everything."
A split image showing Meko the XL bully sulking at home in the absence of his sisters.
A split image showing Meko the XL bully sulking at home in the absence of his sisters.
meko_xlbully/meko_xlbully
Harvey described Meko as the perfect mix of protector and clown, saying he is softhearted, affectionate, and always wants to be close to his loved ones. While he is playful and silly, he is also incredibly intuitive—often sensing when his family needs comfort and placing his head gently in their laps.
She said the family brought him home at just 12 weeks old, and, from that moment, it felt like he was meant to be part of their family.
In the first part of the video, Meko is seen sitting quietly, clearly missing his sisters. "You can see in his eyes that he's not his usual self—his ears are relaxed, his head is low, and there's this stillness about him," Harvey said. "That's how he is whenever the girls are away. He waits for them in their room, almost like he's guarding it until they come back."
But, once the girls return, everything changes.
Harvey added: "It's more than just a dog being excited—it's proof of the deep bond they share. He doesn't just love them; they're his world, and their absence leaves a gap that only they can fill."
The heartwarming footage stands in contrast to recent debates surrounding the XL bully breed. The U.K. Government moved to ban American XL bullies under the Dangerous Dogs Act in 2023, following a series of high-profile attacks.
As of February 2024, it is illegal to breed, sell, abandon, or give away the breed in England and Wales, and owners must comply with strict rules including neutering, muzzling in public, and holding a certificate of exemption. The move sparked intense public debate, with some defending the breed as loyal and misunderstood, while others pointed to safety concerns.
On social media, Meko's video drew overwhelming praise for showcasing the gentle and loving side of the breed.
"Believe me nothing is more dangerous than a human, pooches are man's best friend most unconditional love I've ever felt from my pooches," one user wrote.
"I love how he jumps to your older daughter … Not up on her, but to her then pulls himself back. He knows how powerful he is & how delicate his sisters are," posted Sian.
"Meko could easily knock over them girls if he wanted to but look how gentle and calm he is with his excitement when he sees them. What a beautiful gentle boy," commented another viewer.
A third added: "My favorite breed. I wish the world would realize how loving and sweet these babies are. Feeling deeply is the truth."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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