There’s no more surefire a way to ensure the internet eats a piece of video content than pitching Trump and Clinton supporters against each other on film. Well, perhaps that’s not exactly true, you could somehow throw dogs into the mix — and that’s exactly what Pedigree did in their latest stunt with BBDO New York.

During this particularly turbulent election period, America stands very much as a nation divided. Over the last 6 months, there’s no doubt things have turned a little nasty with the constant sniping at each other surely bringing out the worst in people. As election day creeps ever closer, Pedigree decided to spread a little love and remind people of the things that really matter.

So to demonstrate this, Pedigree sent a woman and a “lost dog” into the overexcited crowds at rallies and filmed the whole thing for your viewing pleasure.There was one small hitch. She was wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the slogan of each opposing party.

Claiming to have found the golden retriever running around in the parking lot, she walks him around, desperately attempting to find his owner. The film shows her interacting with the public and making sure they notice her rather conspicuous choice of clothing whilst doing so.

Previous stunts of this ilk seek to further demonstrate the differences between both party supporters and to capitalise on the wedge driven between the two. So, you’d be forgiven for assuming this would be how the situation might pan out. Whichever camp you stand in, you’d at least expect people to be unwilling to help the woman based on her political beliefs, particularly because of how the election season has panned out so far. Upon watching, you’d be pleasantly surprised.

In both cases the result is heartwarmingly positive. Yes, there is a level of trepidation about our leading lady’s sloganed t-shirt, however people mostly seem taken aback. They are openly confounded as to why a lamb would walk so readily into a lion’s den, (figuratively speaking of course), but they are willing and happy to help. After all, as one opposing supporter laughs “dogs don’t criticise.”

As the golden retriever is reunited with its alleged owner, there is a plenty of applause, hugs, and heartfelt realisations. People are taken back to find things in common with someone so different from them, as one Clinton supporter puts it, “I didn’t ever expect myself to agree with a Trump supporter.”

Admittedly it’s funny that something this small could help establish a bond between parties, but the stunt helped people to realise when it comes down to it, we’re all in the same boat and “fundamentally if you go and talk person to person, they care about each other.”

Seeing Americans cast aside their differences and stand united in order to help a common goal, even on a small scale is promising. With a little luck, whatever happens this week, we can remember the things that matter and all find common ground.

Brand: Pedigree

Campaign: A Vote for Good

Agency: BBDO New York