Dogs aren't called man's best friend for nothing. They become part of the family in every sense of the word, and with lifespans that typically last over a decade, it can be as devastating as losing a human when they pass away.
But one woman got the shock of her life when she saw "her dog" in the sky just hours after the animal passed away.
The incident took place on June 20 after Lucy Ledgeway's 14-year-old family dog Sunny passed away.
Following the animal's death, she asked for a sign that her beloved pooch was okay, and to her total shock, she saw what looked like Sunny's face in the clouds - and she wasn't the only one to spot him either.
She took a picture of the clouds and shared it to Twitter where it quickly went viral, racking up 100.9k likes and counting.
She captioned the incredible post: "my dog passed away in my dads arms this morning seconds before setting off to the vets. later in the day we went out to clear our head and i cried to my boyfriend in the seat she died in, just begging for a sign that she’s okay. this is what I was blessed with [sic]."
Then, something remarkable happened, other dog owners shared their stories of seeing their pets in the clouds after they passed away.
One commenter shared a picture of her pet Westie and the dog's image in the clouds, writing: "Something similar happened to me after my boy passed. I know how hard it is to lose them, sending you love."
Another woman shared a picture of her passed dog in the clouds that was captioned: "Omg, the EXACT SAME THING happened to us in April when our baby passed away! Sending your family a lot of love and comfort during this difficult time! [sic]"
In a story that is sure to tug at the heartstrings, a loyal dog followed her beloved owner's coffin to its final resting place - showing yet again that dogs are one of the best things to ever happen to us.
Anyone who has ever owned a dog will know that nothing comes close to the unconditional love and loyalty that four-legged companions can bring into the world.
Often it breaks hearts when laying a dog to rest considering that they quickly become family - but sometimes an owner can sadly pass first.
Margo Magan of County Longford, Ireland, died aged 94 on December 30 leaving behind her 12 children, as reported by the Mirror.
She also left behind her beloved golden retriever Bessie, who helped lead mourners to Killashee Cemetery where her owner was laid to rest.
Her son, Mike Magan, posted a poignant image on Twitter, adding: "We said our final goodbye to our remarkable Mum, Margo, today @ 94. She loved her dog. Mother of 12. Champion swimmer, holder of many titles/records, top golfer, 1st female president of a golf club in Ireland. Active until recently having swam Xmas day 3 yrs ago. Legend."
The image was taken by Mike's niece Tamara Gervasoni, and the comments were flooded by those wishing to pay their respects to Margo.
One person said: "Dear Mike, she was, and is, an inspiration. Am so sorry for your loss," with another adding: "Condolences Mike. Didn’t she do very well to get to 94? A beautiful dog too. May she rest in peace."
A third person said: "What an amazing woman and what an incredible life. How fortunate you were to have her as your Mother," and a fourth concluded: "Condolences to you and the Magan and Beckett families. That poignant photo tells a story."
We're sure Bessie will be taken good care of as she also mourns the loss of her beloved owner, as dogs often display remarkable loyalty.
Their attachment to their owners is the topic of the heartbreaking movie Hachi: A Dog's Tale, starring Richard Gere.
The film is a US remake of the Japanese movie Hachi-ko which tells the true story of Hachi, who turned up at Shibuya Station each day for the rest of his life as he waited for his owner to return from work - unaware the owner had passed away while working.
Our thoughts are with Bessie and Margo's family as they mourn their loss.
Featured image credit: Tierfotoagentur / R. Richter / Alamy
If you've ever been fortunate enough to have a dog in your life, then you'll know that they are more than just pets; they're family.
And it may sound crazy to some people, but losing your dog can be just as painful - if not more - than losing a family member.
That's why, when Sallie Gregory-Hammet lost her beloved dog Charlie, she wrote him a fitting tribute in their local paper - and it has left everyone on Twitter in tears.
Alongside a picture of the heartwarming tribute, Sallie wrote on Twitter: "I wrote my dog an obituary because of course I did. He was the best boy."
Sallie - from South Carolina - explained that Charlie had died after he losing his five-month battle with lymphoma.
The obituary starts with the words:
"Charlie James Gregory-Hammett crossed the rainbow bridge Sunday, September 13th peacefully in the arms of his mom."
I won't lie, that was enough to set me off - so you better grab the tissues before you read on.
Sallie's post continues: "Born July 15th, 2013, in Easley, South Carolina, Charlie was the son of Sallie Gregory Hammett, and four years later was also adopted by his loving dog dad, David Hammett.
"He is survived by his grandparents, four aunts and uncles, and his adored cousin Captain. He was predeceased by his sisters Gracie and Scout Gregory (who welcomed him cheerfully on the other side)."
Thirty-year-old Sallie then adds that Charlie's favorite activities were "walking, stick collecting, swimming, smiling, and snoozing."
"If we're being honest, Charlie loved everything life had to offer (except stairs. He hated stairs)," she wrote.
Charlie also loved the beach, car rides, bananas, and socks. Sallie recalls how he would love to go to his grandparents' house, where he "could get treats, chase squirrels, and pee everywhere cousin Captain peed."
"More than anything else, Charlie loved his mom. He was always there to greet her with some kisses and a firm grip on her arm. He was her constant companion. There through heartache, moves, grief, and joy.
"He was good at a lot of things, but he was best at unconditional love. He taught everyone he met about loving people, and always seeing the good in everyone."
Sallie adds that Charlie spent his final days at his favorite place: the beach.
"He relaxed in Charlie-sized holes he dug himself, and dove straight into the oncoming waves," she wrote. "His last days were happy and will be treasured forever.
"We will think of him every time we open the peanut butter. We will miss him every time we see a sock on the door or pass a stick on a walk. We will carry him with us everywhere.
"He will be forever missed and forever remembered, but he left behind his fierce love, which never wavered.
"In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you give all your pups some extra love in honor of Charlie."
Since posting the touching obituary on social media on September 23, Sallie's post has received over 107,000 likes and more than 12,000 retweets (as of this writing).
People have even been responding with pictures and stories of their own late dogs:
We can all agree that dogs are one of the best things to happen to us, right? The only bad thing about them, is they don't live as long as they deserve.
They're always happy to see us, always ready to party, and seem to know exactly how to cheer us up when we are feeling a little low!
But when they leave us, it can be truly heartbreaking. That is exactly what was experienced by Emmie Nielsen, 23, from London, United Kingdom.
Emmie took to TikTok to share the experiences of her 12-year-old Staffy cross, Molly, during her final day.
Two months previous, Emmie had received the news that Molly had cancerous tumors, and putting her down would be the most humane course of action.
During the video, Emmie takes her beloved companion on a final day out, which is packed full of her favorite things to do.
The duo began the day in McDonald's, where Molly is treated to a cheeseburger and a McFlurry, which she eats very enthusiastically, getting some stuck on her nose in the process.
The next stop was the pet store, where Molly was rightfully the center of attention and she picked out her final treat, which she demolishes there and then on the floor of the store.
They then make their way to Molly's favorite spot - the local park, where she wastes no time rolling on her back and has one final "butt scratch" on the grass, looking completely carefree.
But then it's time to say goodbye. The four-legged companion says a final farewell to her best friend, before doing the same to her two "beloved sisters."
She then takes her place under a tree, which is dubbed her "last stop" by Emmie.
Naturally, the comments are full of well-wishers and other heartbroken individuals who have just lived Molly's final day with her.
One user commented: "I balled my eyes out. So sorry for your loss Rest peacefully and run freely sweet baby 🐾❤️🌈" and another added: "As sad as this is, that doggo had a happy life, you can see it specially [sic] at the pet store. 🥺🥺🥺."
Credit: TikTok
Credit: TikTok
A third said: "Such a beautiful baby. Thank you for giving her a wonderful life. So sorry for your loss" and a fourth offered sympathies: "May her beautiful soul rest in peace."
Credit: TikTok
Credit: TikTok
It looked like Molly was incredibly well-loved. Our hearts go out to her family.
It's easy to empathise with someone who has lost a pet, or whose pet is sick in any way. Dogs are adorable and funny to be around, but they are also loyal and extremely supportive - making it that much harder to let go when they pass away. Even having some warning from a vet doesn't make it easy to get through, but it does offer you an opportunity to make the most of their final weeks or months left.
It was only last week that Isaac the dog was diagnosed with terminal cancer, with vets expecting him to only live for a few more weeks. The retired guide dog may not have long left, but his owner is helping him to fulfill some dreams before he departs, creating a bucket list for him to complete.
Briana May, the cousin of Isaac's owner, decided to make a bucket list for Isaac's final days. She and the rest of the family, who live in Brisbane, are helping him to tick off each item on the list - with the list including activities such as playing at the beach, going on a picnic and even getting a massage.
She posted the story on the Cool Dog Group Facebook page, where it has since started spreading across the internet. In her post, she wrote:
"Isaac is the coolest dog I know.
"He helps my cousin navigate her way around everywhere. He is also the best snuggle buddy.
"This gorgeous old boy found out her has a cancerous tumour. He only has weeks left to live so we wrote him a bucket list. Please help Isaac complete it and send pics of your pooches doing the bucket list items too.
"The list may seem silly for some but Isaac is a retired guide dog so there’s quite a few things on the list that he will be doing for the first time in his life.
"Of course he is also getting smothered with cuddles and smooches. Thanks for all the suppawt."
Briana's words moved many - especially those who have gone through a similar thing with their own pets in the past. In addition to this, many wanted to see what happened in the future with Isaac and his planned activities, and I can definitely count myself among that number. "Hope you update us with pictures! I’d love to see how this good boy gets in trouble with the police," one user wrote.
Following her words, other dog owners decided to let their dogs live the high life, posting photos of their own adventures following this bucket list, from birthday parties to taking a quick nap.
Even if he doesn't tick off every item on the list, it's clear that Isaac's story has inspired people all over the world to give their dogs a little treat. Hopefully, Isaac gets the chance to try out every part of the list, and we get to see the photos afterwards.
Credit: Reddit / TrioAnimalFoundation[/caption]
Adoption, it saves lives. That is what we are always being told by shelters and rescues. And there is a good reason, it really does save lives. More than that, it gives the animals being adopted a whole new lease of life and a reason to look forward to the future. Animals have feelings too, some people might not think so, but it’s impossible not to believe it after seeing the before and after pictures of dogs who’ve been adopted.
There is no denying that there is a huge difference in the look on these doggies’ faces, from the sadness of being abandoned and abused to being completely loved, these dogs show quite the transformation. And it is all thanks to the humans who have adopted them and provided them a loving home. The power of love is an incredible thing. Below is a heartwarming list of the incredible before and after pictures of adopted dogs.
[post_page_title]This Before and After[/post_page_title]
The before picture is completely heart-wrenching. Any animal lover would definitely cry seeing this. It definitely shows that animals can feel the same sadness as us humans.
[caption id="attachment_2808" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / Unknown[/caption]
But the second picture shows an incredibly drastic change. Here we see a very happy and well-cared for dog. It's definitely a happy ending for this good boy. Just look at how majestic he is!
[post_page_title]Saved from Euthanization[/post_page_title]
Not going to lie, this picture really guts me to look at. This poor dog is so skinny and neglected, how can people do that?! It's hard to believe the poor thing was able to survive the ordeal.
[caption id="attachment_2809" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / phil2146[/caption]
But thanks to some kindness from the shelter worker who refused to give up on this dog, the next picture just gives you all the feels. Amazing job.
[post_page_title]This Husky's Transformation[/post_page_title]
Here is another image that will make you question people and why they could ever let their pets get so neglected. This poor little thing was all skin and bones.
[caption id="attachment_2810" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / BittersweetSymphony[/caption]
Thanks to pure love and affection, she was brought back to life. Now she is looking full and healthy and most importantly, happy.
[post_page_title]Wynter[/post_page_title]
One Reddit user uploaded this before and after of her dog Wynter. She explains that before she being adopted, the poor thing was living on the streets.
[caption id="attachment_2811" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / Coolmorecooties[/caption]
Thanks to plenty of TLC, it looks like Winter is living her best life. She definitely had a stroke of luck getting adopted. Who'd have thought she'd the potential to grow such a luscious looking fur coat?!
[post_page_title]Former Cellmates, Forever BFFs[/post_page_title]
This one is so cute. These two dogs were surrendered to an animal shelter together. And while the odds of two dogs getting adopted together are slim, this is a pair who got lucky. Very, very lucky!
[caption id="attachment_2812" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / RecurrentlyDisturb[/caption]
Things weren't looking great for the pair, and you can see it in their eyes. They look so sad. When they did get adopted, they got a second chance at life. And they look so happy for it.
[post_page_title]Pure Happiness[/post_page_title]
This is Ripley. Ripley had quite the journey. The first picture is from Ripley at 6 months old in Iran. Clearly scared and lonely, all this pooch wanted was for someone to love her...
[caption id="attachment_2813" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / besidethebed[/caption]
Next picture is a very happy Ripley who looks like she's living the life of Riley. She is so happy. It's so cute.
[post_page_title]Happy Hank[/post_page_title]
Nothing is sadder than the face on little Hank on the left. You can just see the pain and sadness in those big brown eyes. If ever there was a picture of a dog on the verge of tears, the image on the left would be it.
[caption id="attachment_2815" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / thecoiner[/caption]
Unfortunately, this little guy had a rough start to life as an abused and timid puppy. But now look at him! He's got a smile going from ear to ear.
[post_page_title]To Hell and Back[/post_page_title]
This poor little guy had a sad start. He definitely looks like he went through hell and back. That first picture is one of a completely hopeless-looking doggy who was so sad. I mean, what the heck happened to his eye?!
[caption id="attachment_2817" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / Klaudija Sigurnjak[/caption]
Now he's a well-groomed and happy-looking little guy. He looks like a proper dog now. Isn't it amazing to think that a TLC was able to turn him from looking scary and sick to adorable and healthy?!
[post_page_title]Frank the Tank[/post_page_title]
This poor little guy looks adorable even in his sad state. However, his little sad face is still so cute. It's no wonder someone saw him at the shelter and fell for those big, black eyes.
[caption id="attachment_2818" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / frankthedoggotank[/caption]
Thankfully though, he got adopted. And look at that face, just look at it. He looks so happy. And he's still so freakin' cute! That's a doggo smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts.
[post_page_title]This Will Make You Feel All the Feels[/post_page_title]
The person who posted this before and after was actually posting on behalf of her sister's dog. Here on the left, you can see him depressed in his kennel at the shelter. Absolutely heartbreaking, right?
[caption id="attachment_2819" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / meriah_j[/caption]
Now here he is on the right, post-adoption. The difference is huge. And it looks like his new owner is absolutely in love with him, I mean, just look at that cute little flower crown he's rocking. It's clear that he's very much loved, and it's written all over his face.
[post_page_title]Puppy Gets New Life[/post_page_title]
This little puppy had his rough start in the jungles of Mexico, where he was abandoned with his litter. Thankfully, they were nursed back to health by the local animal rescue foundation.
[caption id="attachment_2820" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / shmandala[/caption]
This little guy got his brand new shot at life after someone adopted him while on vacation down in Mexico. Today he's a happy, healthy little pup living his best life in Canada.
[post_page_title]Left to Die[/post_page_title]
I can't get past some people and their absolute disregard for animal life. It's actually scary to think that there are actual psychopaths out there who would happily leave a neglected puppy to die in a park.
[caption id="attachment_2821" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / missblueyouwho[/caption]
That is how this little girl was found on the left. With lots of love and care, she was brought back to life. And now, two years later, she is a happy healthy little pooch. It just goes to show you that bad situations can be turned around.
[post_page_title]Pablo's Before and After[/post_page_title]
Meet this little guy Pablo. His owners found him on the street and took him in. The first picture is from the night he was rescued. You can clearly see the sadness all over his face.
[caption id="attachment_2822" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / imostlyobserve[/caption]
The second picture shows an incredible change in him after only one week! It is so clear that he knows his life has changed for the better and he's so happy and grateful for it.
[post_page_title]This Transformation[/post_page_title]
Talk about a complete Cinderella change. You can't even see this dog's face from all the matted hair in the way. It is clear that he suffered plenty of neglect before being rescued.
[caption id="attachment_2823" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / TrioAnimalFoundation[/caption]
The second picture shows that there is indeed a happy little dog underneath the whole mess that was his unkempt coat. And we're so happy he has a new forever home that will keep him smiling for years to come.
[post_page_title]All Smiles[/post_page_title]
Speaking of smiles, this before and after set is definitely one for the books. The person who posted was the owner of Koda Bear. The OP revealed that the picture on the left is from the day before Koda Bear was adopted.
[caption id="attachment_2824" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / mwisni[/caption]
Now, look at Koda Bear on the right. That is him after only a few months. Clearly, he is happy as he's got a silly little grin on his face and we are so happy that he does. What a cute little boy.
[post_page_title]Annie's Struggle[/post_page_title]
This poor little girl was found living rough on the streets for 4 years! Imagine being homeless for that long. She was scared, and you can see it in her face in the first picture.
[caption id="attachment_2825" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / Echo_hello_world[/caption]
The person posting the pictures of Annie revealed that they actually found her a home with their parents. And after only a week, the changes are real. Annie looks so comfy and happy all fast asleep in her new bed. So happy she got her happily-ever-after.
[post_page_title]Scarlett[/post_page_title]
Scarlett was in a shelter and was ready to be put down because of a minor skin condition. The person who posted her story on Reddit actually wasn't her owner but revealed that her friend was the one who adopted Scarlett.
[caption id="attachment_2826" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / effexxor[/caption]
And it was a good thing that they rescued her, I mean just look. This sweet girl is so happy and got such a lucky break in life. Her eyes have lit up in every sense of the word.
[post_page_title]Incredible Changes[/post_page_title]
It is always amazing to see the changes in dogs. This little guy was clearly so scared and timid after his struggles prior to adoption.
[caption id="attachment_2827" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / mycatseatbetterthanIdo[/caption]
And the changes are incredible. It's like seeing a whole new dog. Amazing what a little love can do for pets.
[post_page_title]This Pup[/post_page_title]
A person on Reddit shared this before and after of their pup that they adopted. The picture on the left shows such a sad and scared little dog.
[caption id="attachment_2828" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Credit: Reddit / norightbrain[/caption]
Cut to the second picture and it's a whole happy little dog. You wouldn't even know to look at them that they were once the dog on the left. Total change.
[post_page_title]The Change Adoption Makes[/post_page_title]
While all the pictures in this post are heartbreaking to see the befores, this before picture tugs on my heartstrings the most. This little dog looks so sad and so desperate to get out of the shelter. And who could blame them?
[caption id="attachment_2829" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / aranjevi[/caption]
Now on the right, is a beautifully happy dog that shows exactly what adoption can do for an animal. This is great. Also, what a gorgeous slobbery tongue.
[post_page_title]Heartbreaking Before and After[/post_page_title]
Nothing is sadder than a dog that is starving in the streets. This before picture is everything that is wrong with the world. How can anyone just let a dog, or any animal for that matter, get to this state?
[caption id="attachment_2830" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / socks4tay[/caption]
And thankfully, this little pupper got their happily ever after that they deserve. I am glad that they got adopted.
[post_page_title]Rey[/post_page_title]
This is Rey. The picture on the left is when Rey was on death row. From the picture, it is clear that Rey knew her time was up, that she wasn't going to be leaving the shelter alive.
[caption id="attachment_2831" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / animatedrussian[/caption]
But thanks to the wonderful person that adopted Rey, she got to walk out of the shelter a free woman. The difference is astonishing. In just one day, Rey became a completely different dog. Just goes to show you how emotionally intelligent animals actually are!
[post_page_title]Waldo[/post_page_title]
This is Waldo's transformation. As you can see from the first picture, he started off as crusty and underweight stray. And all it took was a little bit of love.
[caption id="attachment_2832" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / priceisalright[/caption]
That was all it took to help Waldo become the happy, fluffy boy that you see in the next picture. He is so lucky and it shows.
[post_page_title]This Before and After Adoption[/post_page_title]
This poor doggie is all skin and bones before being adopted. It is so sad to see this dog looking so skinny and so depressed.
[caption id="attachment_2833" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / rosieposiepit[/caption]
But the change is amazing in the next picture. This dog looks like a whole new dog. They are bright and cheery and it fills out hearts with all the feels.
[post_page_title]Jasper[/post_page_title]
Jasper is a little pup that started off his life in Romania. He looks so sad and depressed. Thankfully, little Jasper had a change of fortune.
[caption id="attachment_2834" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / LittleMissZombiebait[/caption]
Jasper had an incredible adoption story which involved him traveling all the way to the UK to his new home. And it is clearly all over his face how happy he is in his new life.
[post_page_title]Nacho the One-Eyed Dog[/post_page_title]
I would totally have adopted this little fellow had I come across him in a shelter myself. Thankfully, someone did manage to adopt little Nacho and give him the home he deserves.
[caption id="attachment_2835" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / arubanmac88[/caption]
He looks so happy in his new life. And that pirate eye of his seems to not bother him one bit. He is a happy little guy and it gives us all the feels.
[post_page_title]Toby's New Life[/post_page_title]
Toby spent two years in a county shelter. Can you imagine sleeping on the cold, hair floor with an uncomfortable crate for a pillow? It's just so sad to think about.
[caption id="attachment_2836" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / Imgur[/caption]
Things have certainly taken a turn for the better for Toby. This little dog certainly moved up in the world post-adoption and is now enjoying sleeping in the king-sized bed he deserves.
[post_page_title]Teddy[/post_page_title]
This set of before and after pictures were uploaded by Teddy's owners who wrote: "We found Teddy’s shelter picture and it’s heartbreaking. We’re so glad he came into our lives and is letting his sweet, goofy personality shine! Hopefully, he knows that he’ll be safe, clean, fed, and loved for the rest of his life."
[caption id="attachment_2837" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / carrie.613[/caption]
We can't agree more. We are so happy that his owners took him in and gave him the love and attention he deserves. Well done guys.
[post_page_title]Harper[/post_page_title]
Meet Harper who was adopted by her family from the Fairfax Animal Shelter. Prior to her adoption by her forever home, the poor girl had been adopted and returned three times - three times! - within the first year of her life. No wonder the poor girl looked so alone, confused, and scared.
[caption id="attachment_2838" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / vizsla_harper[/caption]
We are so delighted to see the difference in Harper. There is no doubt that constant love is what helped to make her the happy little girl you see on the right.
[post_page_title]Midwestern Princess[/post_page_title]
It is hard to imagine that this little girl on the left is the same dog that is on the right. She was a found as a stray in Houston. It was a rough start.
[caption id="attachment_2839" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Credit: Reddit / ledronjames[/caption]
But look at her now. She has moved up in the world, and through adoption, she has become a princess in her new Midwestern home. Isn't it wonderful when things change for the better?!
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