A dog who realized she was “third wheel” to two other pups has become an overnight social media star.
Indie the pit bull lives with her owner, Brittney Avery, in California, and recently found herself becoming an Instagram celebrity after Avery shared a sweet clip to her account @indie.pittie.
“Indie is the most sensitive creature I’ve ever met and has the funniest and sweetest personality,” Avery told Newsweek.
“She was an ‘only child’ most of her life so she feels very hurt if she is not the center of attention 100 percent percent of the time.”
A video of Indie realizing she was not the center of attention has now gone viral, racking up almost half a million likes since being shared on September 16.
It shows Indie playing with two other dogs: her “brother,” French bulldog Otis, and “cousin,” bulldog mix Paxton, who Avery explained belongs to her brother and sister-in-law.
But as the three dogs interact, it becomes clear that Otis and Paxton are loving each other’s company, sniffing and kissing one another, with Indie just a little left out.
Avery captioned the video: “You can literally see the exact moment my dog realizes she’s the third wheel,” and the clip shows Indie trying to get the other two dogs’ attention to no avail. As they continue playing together, Indie suddenly stops, standing stock-still, before looking directly into the camera with a sad expression.
Brittney Avery captured the moment her dog realized she was the “third wheel.” Indie stopped engaging and stared up at her with a sad expression.
Instagram @indie.pittie
“The dogs look forward to seeing each other and usually all play together but Indie felt a bit like a third wheel on that visit and got her feelings hurt,” Avery told Newsweek.
“She immediately walked up to me after feeling left out and was doted on and given extra attention and cuddles. She then went right back and started playing with Paxton and Otis again. They’re all the best of friends and it’s awesome being able to see their bond.”
Instagram users were in stitches at the video, with one commenter recalling a similar situation with their own dog, writing: “My dog had doggy friends over to visit, and the two siblings were playing with a toy, my dog tried to join in but couldn’t figure out how to and ended up just standing there staring at me. I realized I raised an only child.”
Others found it relatable, with one writing: “Me in any social situation,” and another laughed: “The betrayal was written all over her face.”
Dogs can communicate with their owners via body language, according to the American Kennel Club. A dog may avoid eye contact if they are feeling stressed, but will look at you with a “soft” expression if they are feeling calm or happy.
Avery said the three dogs get along well. Indie was back to playing with them moments after the video.
Brittney Avery
Avery said Indie going viral was “amazing,” telling Newsweek: “I’m used to her big feelings and personality but I know it made others sad to see her look so upset. She has a very expressive face and I eat it up and love how animated and full of emotion she is. She has always had a dramatic and sensitive flair!”
And, in good news for anyone who felt sorry for Indie in the clip, Avery said Indie and her other dog, Otis, are “joined at the hip,” and are always playing together—and usually wearing “matching T-shirts and collars.”
“They’re always together and often fall asleep cuddled up together,” she said.
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.
