Life isn’t fair. And as sad as it may sound, our furry friends, who also became part of our family, cannot stay with us for a lifetime. When they were younger, they gave us their love and loyalty, so in the final stages of their lives, it is important to make them feel that we love them, too, no matter how tiring physically, mentally, and financially it may become.
Loving owners shared these heartfelt and emotional videos and photos on their social media pages to remind us to give our dogs a big warm hug while they are still with us. Every minute counts.
10. When The Time Hits
In a TikTok video shared by the owner, she calls her Golden Retriever to come over, but the dog remains still. When she offers treats, and the dog doesn’t respond, she understands it’s time for her furry friend to cross the rainbow bridge.
Our furry friends have their own quirks and habits but can never resist a piece or two of yummy treats. We already know something is wrong with them when they don’t respond, even at the sight of their favorite snack. This heart-wrenching clip shows that the realization may hit us that it is time to let go when our dogs no longer enjoy the things they once loved.
9. Goodbye, Best Friend
Charlie (right) seemed to sense his best friend Foxy’s last night when he snuggled with him on his bed. According to their owner, Shirley Bovshow, it was odd since Charlie had never been in the same bed as Foxy, so she grabbed her phone and recorded the two. The next day, Foxy passed away from a seizure due to her longstanding health issues. Shirley decided to post the video on Instagram.
As dog lovers, we are never contented with one dog; we’ll welcome more into our homes as long as we can provide each with the love and care they deserve. Our dogs also form a special bond with each other, considering them their paw besties like Charlie and Foxy. When it’s time for their best friend to go, it hurts them too, so like their human owners, they would use the remaining time to let their best friend feel that they would also hold their hand, even on deathbed.
8. Unusually Clingy
In an uploaded TikTok video, Bolt exhibited unusual clingy behavior towards his owner, Rita. Little did she know, Bolt was saying his final goodbyes to her as he died while sleeping in Rita’s arms later on due to cirrhosis, a liver disease.
Looking at the video, you can see in Bolt’s eyes that he wants to say something to Rita. He may not usually be this expressive, but his loyalty, love, and protection would always be with his owner. His exhibited clinginess is a way of saying goodbye and thank you for giving him a good life.
7. The Last Walk in the Neighborhood
Kelly Jordan Warunek was heartbroken after receiving the news in her mailbox that Mellow, her neighbor’s senior dog, was diagnosed with cancer and would soon “leave for doggie heaven.” The owner informed the neighbors that Mellow would take her final walk in the community where they could say their final goodbyes.
Not everyone may be a dog person, but everyone recognizes love when they see it. Mellow was cherished in her community, that the neighbors took some of their time off to bid their goodbyes. A whole community would be grieving for the loss, which is evidence of how Mellow has brightened people’s day.
6. Time Stands Still
This dog owner took a week off work when she realized that her 15-year-old senior dog Hazel’s time was nearing. She spent every minute of the week bonding with her dog and saying goodbye to family and friends. Hazel, who is suffering from dementia, is scheduled for euthanasia at the end of the week.
Hazel’s struggle with dementia highlights a challenge for owners and, most especially, for senior dogs who cannot understand the sudden decline of their bodies. To spare Hazel from further suffering, her owner decided to put her to sleep. Before saying goodbye, Hazel spent her final moments surrounded by her loved ones, who had been there throughout her life, a memory that would be etched in her heart on her way to doggy heaven.
5. Falling Down the Stairs
In a TikTok video, this owner shared a clip of her dog attempting to climb the stairs, eventually realizing she can’t do it. In the caption, the owner wrote that her dog was letting her know that it was her time.
It is extremely heartbreaking for owners to see their once lively dogs unable to do simple activities due to old age. It is the moment you know that your furry companion is nearing the end of his life. Even more heartbreaking is witnessing them fight the pain to stay with you as their bodies and senses gradually fail. When these signs appear, it is time to prepare to make their remaining years here on earth memorable.
4. Thank You For Your Service
A delivery guy, John Keffer, always brings a pack of Milk-Bone treats with him to give to dogs whenever he delivers packages. One day, he receives a gift package of Milk-Bone treats from one of his regulars with a thank you note, which informed him that their dog Rosie was euthanized due to cancer.
The owners, Frank and Mary Jo, wanted John to continue being a joy for dogs by giving away treats in memory of Rosie. Through a tearful goodbye, Rosie shows that aside from his owners, she recognizes the joy that John has brought to her in her short life. Although Rosie can no longer receive treats, she would have wanted John to be a source of happiness for any dog.
3. A Gift From Doggy Heaven
Victoria Baribault’s pit bull mix, Penny (right), was euthanized due to cancer. With her family grieving, she decided to look for a new dog, and it was at that moment she found Archie (left), a rescue dog from Texas. She knew it was a sign since Archie resembled her beloved Penny by having the exact eye patch. According to Victoria, it was a gift sent to them “to fill their hearts again” and from Penny bidding her goodbyes.
As the saying goes, all dogs go to heaven, which is evident with Penny when he gifted his mourning family with a new furry pal to keep them company. Owners who grieve may find comfort in getting a new dog and giving them the same love and care they had given their departed pets, as it brings a newfound joy in their homes.
2. Timeless Friendship
After learning of his 15-year-old dog’s “probable cancer diagnosis,” Gordon Delacroix, lead singer of the band Recorders, posted a picture on Reddit. They recreated a photo from when he was 15 and 25 at his grandmother’s house in Belgium. According to the singer, Birdy may be “very sick again” soon, so this is a way of creating memories and saying goodbye to his furry friend.
We may remember our childhood dog, whom we took many pictures of until we had to say goodbye to them. These photos are like treasures to us and serve as a way to remember them even many years later. The emotional connection whenever we see our first pet who grew up with us reminds us of the profound bond we once had with them.
1. A Difficult Decision
Like any other story on this list, Hannah’s owner was faced with a difficult decision to euthanize her due to health complications, which made it harder for Hannah to live. In a series of Imgur photos, the owner shared Hannah’s last day after her final decision to put her to sleep. She bathed Hannah, bought her a yummy last meal, painted her nails, and said goodbye to her family.
The photos were very personal to me since we lost our Japanese spitz, Wolfy, over two months ago. Seeing Wolfy all frail and fragile, we decided to put him to sleep. However, on the day that he was scheduled for euthanasia, the veterinarian informed us that Wolfy died in his sleep peacefully.