Watch 'Depressed' Pitbull Transform After Owners Get Him a BFF

Hearts are melting online after a social media video that captured the emotional transformation of a "depressed" pitbull was shared widely across the internet.

The viral video, which has been viewed more than 6 million times since it was first shared to Instagram on November 19, introduced social media users to pitbull pair Zeus and Odie who have quickly become as thick as thieves. The latter dog, Odie, was known to be feeling low before his owners sought a sibling for him.

The dogs' owner, who goes by @itsanitacalvi on the platform, shared in the post that she had no idea her dog was "depressed" until her family started "toying" with the idea of introducing a second dog into their home.

"We had them meet and meet again and we decided to take a chance and bring him home," she wrote in the post.

Audiences were treated to the pitbull pair learning to play with each other, and witnessed older dog Odie warm to the new pup through copious games of chase or cuddle sessions.

How Should You Introduce Your Existing Dog to a New One?

The U.K. animal-welfare charity Battersea Dogs & Cats Home says that advance planning is always needed before a new dog is introduced to a household that already has one.

This is even more important in cases like the one explored in the Instagram post where the incoming pup is young and energetic. The charity advises owners to take the dogs out for a walk before they get acquainted indoors, to avoid scraps over territory.

"When you first get home with your new dog, don't go indoors straight away. Instead, take both of your dogs for a walk together in an area with lots of open space where they can take their time to explore and get to know one another in their own time on more neutral ground," Battersea Dogs & Cats Home writes on its website.

"You may have to arrange for a friend or family member to help you by walking one of the dogs, so you can give them as much space as they need to be able to relax. It's natural to be excited, but try to be as casual as possible and allow them to interact in their own time.

"Don't force them towards each other and don't pick up either dog or try to push them to say hello as this could create tension between them," the charity adds. During the walk, owners should praise any positive behaviors that the dogs exhibit.

At home, the charity says to "make sure any food and toys are out of reach and there are multiple water bowls and beds spread throughout the home to prevent any possible friction between the dogs."

What Do the Comments Say?

Since it was shared to Instagram on November 19 by @itsanitacalvi, the post has been liked by over 486,000 users.

One user commented: "It usually never ends with just getting one more."

The Instagram post can be seen here.

Newsweek reached out to @itsanitacalvi for more information via Instagram.

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