A recent video of one canine’s heartbreaking action proves that dogs can grieve someone or something they love just as humans do.
TikTok user @talltaz posted a clip on September 9 showing where her dog goes every time he is in the yard. He might sniff around, but without fail, he goes to a specific spot in the corner. It’s where his doggy sibling, companion and lifelong friend of nine years was laid to rest.
The family decided to bury the Husky after she passed in the backyard, a place they can always go to whenever they’re missing her. And for the Husky’s sibling, it has become a spot he knows all too well. He visits it often and will lay on top, hoping to remember his sibling forever as it was likely the last spot he saw her.
The dog has the entire yard and yet, he still picks this location every time to go to whenever he is outside. It’s his way of grieving. And despite not being together physically anymore, the video’s caption assured that the two dogs are “still inseparable.”
With over 1.7 million views, the TikTok video shattered people’s hearts.
One viewer said: “It’s not fair… we shouldn’t have to lose them.”
Another added: “I’m so sorry for your loss. Poor boy is grieving.”
Someone recommended: “Put a tree there so they can be in the shade together.” The owner replied that she loved the idea.
Newsweek reached out to @talltaz via TikTok for additional comment.
Grieving Dogs
Although dogs cannot express their feelings with words, their actions make experts believe they also go through the grieving process, the American Kennel Club (AKC) reported. They don’t only mourn the loss of an owner or family member, they can also grieve other pets.
The AKC listed the following as signs a dog might be going through the grieving process:
- Withdrawal from people and other pets
- Lack of appetite
- Sleeping more
- Unusually aggressive or destructive behaviors
- Urination or defecation within the home
- Calling out or vocalizing
- Searching for their companion within the home
- Becoming clingy and following the owner around
These behaviors are normal while they grieve and shouldn’t be punished. Instead, the AKC recommends that owners give their dogs reassurance, extra love and praise. Owners should gently discourage or redirect any unwanted behaviors.
@talltaz/TikTok
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