When a family noticed their dog was struggling with the heartbreak of saying goodbye to his canine sibling, they decided it was time to bring reinforcements to help heal his heart.
Their Labrador McCoy became very disconnected since the family put down his brother. Things that once made him happy became uninteresting. Concerned, the family began toying with the idea of getting a new puppy, but they questioned whether or not that would make McCoy more depressed.
They eventually decided to go for it and welcomed home golden retriever Patrick. The August 10 TikTok video posted by user @therealmccoyandpatrick showed viewers that the choice turned out to be the right one as the two dogs instantly clicked and McCoy’s frown turned upside down.
The caption reads: “Oh how he shines again.”
Screenshots from an August 10 TikTok video of a family welcoming home a new golden retriever puppy. They decided to get a new dog for their grieving Labrador.
@therealmccoyandpatrick/TikTok
The two instantly clicked. McCoy started playing again. With excitement in his eyes and a smile returning, he followed around his new puppy sibling.
The owner captured a moment of the two cuddling, which she later mentioned in the comment section that it doesn’t happen often. However, when it does, “time literally stops.”
In the clip, the owner mentioned this should be a sign for other pet owners experiencing grief with their dogs to add a new one to the family. A new doggy friend will help give the grieving canine by providing companionship to keep their minds off the loss.
But when adding a new dog isn’t an option, the American Kennel Club recommends giving your dog time to grieve and have alone time, but also spend quality time with them when they want it. Be sure your dog still receives plenty of exercise and stick to a healthy nutrition plan.
TikTokers React
The TikTok video touched people’s hearts, bringing in over 804,100 views, 73,400 likes and 490 comments as of Wednesday.
“He needed a bestie and purpose, but his brother will never be replaced and I hope they see each other again when that time comes,” commented a viewer, while a second wrote: “He will never forget his buddy he just has another to take his mind of him. I’m not crying no way.”
A second person chimed in: “He just needed someone to let him know it was ok to love again after loss.”
Another added: “Thank you for giving him time to grieve the loss of his brother before getting a new puppy!”
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.
