Soon enough, that little puppy snuggling on your lap or that dog you’re playing catch with will grow old to be a senior dog. While it’s sad, it’s the reality of a dog’s life since they can’t last the same old life as their human families. By that time, some of you might be away for college or work, and they will be left at your family’s home. Of course, you’ll sometimes pay them a visit, but it’s more than you can do for them. Will you be able to handle the mix of sadness and happiness seeing them?
One woman has not seen her family dog for nearly a month, yet her love will never be gone. She headed out for an 18-hour drive to surprise the old dog, and viewers can’t help but shed tears for a beautiful moment recorded on cam and posted on TikTok.
TikTok user @gingerhaaze has formed a beautiful relationship with the 15-year-old family dog she calls her “soul dog.” The senior dog became attached to her while they were living together, but then she moved out of her parent’s house so that she couldn’t spend much time with him. It broke both of their hearts, especially knowing that the senior dog’s time on earth was limited.
Whenever the dog went back to her parent’s home, he would just stare at the garage and skip meals, waiting for her to visit him. Knowing the situation, the woman would make sure not to go too long in-between visits.
The Surprise Visit
The woman then made an 18-hour drive from Ohio to Florida just to surprise the senior dog. As she arrived, the dog was asleep, so she thought of capturing it all on video. She placed the camera on the table, just in front of the couch, and slowly sat beside the sleeping dog.
After the dog realized the presence, he went up and tried to look at the familiar scent lingering on his nose. Since the dog can’t see clearly anymore due to old age, he doesn’t see the woman at first but is met by her presence later on, so he sits on her lap. As seen in the video, the dog is wagging his tail, signaling his excitement at his human’s arrival. Ever since the woman is back home, he’s been back to his usual self.
The comments were filled with both sadness and joy. Many of them commented about how they missed their “soul dog” and that the TikTok video reminded them of the bond they used to share with their dogs who had already crossed the rainbow bridge. At the same time, some comments are about the happiness that they felt since they also have their own senior dogs back at home.
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How Dogs Choose Their Favorite Humans
You may have noticed that the senior dog may have chosen the woman as their human since it was mentioned that every time he was left at her parent’s house, he would not eat his meals and just stare at the garage. You may have also noticed this with your family dogs. They will always have their favorite person in the household, which may result in other members of the family, or even you, feeling jealous. 🤣
Why are your family dogs playing favorites? Well, of course, it’s a given that this is the person whom they feel the most attention and affection. Early socialization may also play a role in this, meaning that this is the person who has been there during his early years. Key socialization for dogs is actually from birth to six months. It is where a puppy’s brain becomes receptive.
Did you know that this is also due to the fact that they have similar personalities? Yes, your dog and their favorite member of the family may attract the same likes and dislikes. An indoor dog may be like a person who’s an introvert, while an active person may attract active and playful dogs. These are the people with whom dogs feel secure and confident.
Now, if you want to be a dog’s favorite, you must learn which dogs are more like you or those who match your activities and personalities. But of course, the following efforts must also be made by you:
- Spending time with your dog
- Being their playmate
- Preparing and serving them their meals
- Giving them belly rubs
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From The Club
Reading stories about senior dogs still makes me teary-eyed because this year alone, I lost two of my dogs, who had already been with me since they were puppies until their senior age of 14 and 15. I grew up with those dogs. All I can see now are both of their jars with their painted happy faces and ashes inside, so somewhat, I relate to the woman who drives for 18 hours just to meet her senior dog.