By Lydia PatrickShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberAn XL bully dog staying beside his little human’s side while she is ill has melted hearts across the internet.
Ione Danielle (@meko_xlbully), 30, from Manchester, in northwest England, shared a video of her daughter, Ari, 4, lying in bed ill with Meko, her canine companion, watching over her. The clip has garnered over 45,000 likes and more than 346,000 views.
Ione told Newsweek: "Ari is unwell and asleep in her bed after coming home from school. Meko is lying right beside her, watching over her the entire time. He doesn’t move or take his eyes off her, as if he’s checking her breathing, her comfort, and every little movement. The whole video captures his protective instinct—he refuses to leave her side while she’s poorly."
Ione said that Meko comforted her daughter in the gentlest way, describing how he lay as close as he could without disturbing her, keeping his head raised so he could watch her.
...Ione said the pup stayed completely still and quiet, as if he understood that Ari needed rest. The mom added that Meko's presence was calm and patient, ensuring Ari was never alone for a single moment, and it felt as if he became her guardian until she felt better.
Ione added that their bond is something she is incredibly proud of, noting that Ari and Meko have grown up together and share a natural trust. The girl sees the pup as a source of comfort, and Meko appears to view her as someone he must protect. Ione said watching him lie beside her daughter made her emotional, serving as a reminder of how gentle and loving he is with children—a side of him the world rarely gets to see.
Ione said the video captures who Meko truly is. Despite the dog being judged because of his breed, the mom added that moments like these reveal his real nature: loyal, sensitive, and deeply connected to his family. Meko doesn’t just live with them—he genuinely cares for them—and seeing him look after Ari in that way is something she will never take for granted.
Meko has two human sisters, and Ione said the three of them have grown up side by side. Their bond is "truly something special." They have been inseparable from the beginning—he protects them, plays with them, and shares every moment. When the girls are away, Ione said it is as if a part of him is missing; Meko will wait in their bedroom for hours, listening for the sound of the door, his tail ready to wag the moment they return. To him, Ione said, they are not just family—“they’re his everything."
XL bullies are controversial in the U.K. because they were recently added to the banned breeds' list after several high-profile attacks. Critics worry about their size and strength, while supporters argue the problems stem from irresponsible owners rather than the breed itself. The debate has fueled broader discussions about dog laws and public safety.
Instagram users were quick to share their reactions. "XL bully…no that's a land seal with his favorite human," shared one user.
"He’s adorable. Wish my XL bully was this calm!! Mine's a tornado!!" added another viewer.
"My mates got a XL bully, one of the sweetest most loving dogs ever," shared a third user.
"He’s absorbing whatever is making her ill. Our pets literally heal us from the inside," said Maribella.
"What a beautiful boy," said Laura.
"Oh my God he looks soft like velvet!" said Joanne.
"Such a handsome boy, and the best doggy brother for watching over his sister," shared Samantha.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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