Hearts Melt as New Puppy and Owner Meet for the First Time—'The sweetest'

A social media video capturing the first encounter between a new dog owner and their pug puppy, Smokes, has melted hearts across the internet.

The video, which had been shared to TikTok on April 21 by @smokesthepug, has already amassed over 40,000 likes and resonated deeply with animal lovers and pet owners worldwide—many of whom have voiced how their own pets changed their lives in the post's comments section.

The footage shows the tiny pug, born on August 23, 2023, snuggling comfortably in a small donut bed on the lap of his new owner inside their car. The scene is filled with affection as Smokes gets acquainted with his new family, looking up with trusting eyes and occasionally nuzzling against them.

The brewing connection between the pair is palpable, highlighting the special bond that can form between pets and their owners.

The post is captioned: "The day we met."

Viewers of the video have been quick to express their adoration and share their own experiences with pets, particularly pugs.

"A pug will take over your whole life," one user wrote.

Another added: "When I think that my pug used to be like that."

"My heart. I lost my pug, I remember my rocky being this small and same color," another user shared.

The viral moment serves as a reminder of the simple, unspoken joy that pets can bring into our lives, often starting from the very first encounter. Still, many new dog owners may worry about how they can best settle their latest addition in.

Nell Ostermeier, a licensed veterinarian and spokesperson for Figo Pet Insurance from Illinois, told Newsweek that the first three days a new owner spends with their pet is "the adjustment period".

"During that time, [the] owner's focus should be on noticing the dog's preferences and in creating a safe space for them so that they can acclimate," Ostermeier said.

"Creating a transition plan and making sure that the dog's basic needs will be met before you bring them home is key to a successful transition. If there is more than one person in your household, you should hold a meeting and establish guidelines around your approach to the new dog. Consistency helps a new dog to settle in, they feel more secure because they know what to expect from each member of the family."

"Acquiring the items that are needed to meet the basic dog needs of food, shelter, exercise and enrichment is important as well. Putting these basics together ahead of time can help set up for a smooth transition," she added.

Ostermeier added that a "comfortable bed" should be included in the list of basic dog needs that new owners need to draft before bringing their new family member home.

Newsweek reached out to @smokesthepug for more information.

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