Though relationships might begin and end with the brevity of a candle, friends might move on, move away or fall out, dogs will always be there for you. As we moan and groan our way through life, lamenting each tiny inconvenience that affects our existence in some imperceptible fashion or another, our faithful hounds bound gleefully at our heel, overjoyed beyond all reason by the simple throwing of a stick, or the smell of sausages in some nearby eatery.
Perhaps this is why dogs have become such an essential part of our lives, woven so indelibly into the fabric of humanity that a world in which they didn't exist as our pets is hard to imagine, and depressing to envisage.
In a world of perpetual jeopardy, where existential disaster can feel at times to be but a stone's throw away, dogs provide their human counterparts with unquestioning love and affection, and all they ask in return is for somewhere to sleep, food and some love of their own. They are, in short, a lot less needy and altogether more infectiously happy than the humans they deign to live with.
Imagine, then, the crushing feeling of losing your bundle of joy. That gut-wrenching moment when you realise that they are missing. Given all that we have established above, it is perhaps unsurprising that Judge Judy was required to settle an ownership case of a dog named Baby Boy.
The case concerned two individuals, both of whom claimed ownership over the faithful hound. The woman concerned with the case maintained that she had bought the dog legally from an individual on the street, while the man countered that the dog had been stolen from him and sold without his blessing or knowledge.
Eschewing the usual formalities of such a case, Judge Judy devised a rather more rudimentary - and altogether extremely effective method of ascertaining who Baby Boy's rightful owner actually was.
It was a tense affair, and one that Judge Judy was not to be swayed on by the woman's proffering of purported documents from her vet, claiming that the dog was five-years-old.
[[youtubewidget||https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG0a6Oy7rfA]]
In a heart-rending turn of events, the pup is bought into court and let loose in a bid to see who he would naturally gravitate towards. In the end, it was no contest, as Baby Boy went hurtling towards the man in question in a display of sheer unbridled joy, and a tearful reunion unfolds that would warm the cockles of even the most stony, cold-hearted individual.
As the man says afterwards, "That's what happens when you buy a dog for 50 bucks in front of the mall".
Though we might be in the throes of hitherto unprecedented crises that threaten our very existence as a species, it seems that there will always be one bond that will never be broken; that between man, and man's best friend.
As the saying goes; a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.
In an ideal world, it would go without saying that you should never take it upon yourself to care for a dog - or any other animal companion for that matter - if you're not in the position to do so.
Essentially, if your lifestyle doesn't lend itself well to caring for a pet or you're not financially able to - you should refrain from getting one.
Related - This is the moment a man freed a dog locked inside a car during a heatwave:
However, in these times of economic uncertainty, some people may be left with little choice but to give up a pet that they previously were in a position to look after.
In fact, recently, a German Shepherd/Australian Shepherd-cross was found tied to a tree in Indiana with a letter attached to her collar from her now-jobless owner.
In the note, the owner explained that he had no choice but to give up the canine after the pandemic left him unemployed.
The poignant note reads:
"Hi, my name is Roadie. My dad lost his job and soon his home from COVID. Please pray for him and give him hope that I will find a good home.
"I was a rescued puppy from a litter of 10. I am half German Shepard, half Australian Shepard.
"I know basic commands like sit, lay down, shake, and rollover. I like to play and am full of energy. I love to chew on toys and tear them apart if it has a squeaker! I have been warmed and spayed. I also have my rabies shot.
"I was a spoiled girl, my dad gave me my own couch to lay on and my own memory foam bed. He also fed me steak, chicken, and rice. But my primary food was Iams lamb and rice.
"Please if you find me give me a good home and love. And maybe a friend! I love children and play well with other dogs. My dad lost his job and soon his home from COVID. Please pray for him and give him hope that I will find a good home!"
It should be said, however, that even if you are faced with little choice but to give up your pet, you shouldn't - as Roadie's owner did - abandon it on the street.
In fact, Michael Delp, director of the Indiana animal shelter, told local network WTHR:
"It’s never a good idea to release an animal anywhere on its own.
"Roadie could have been struck by a vehicle, could have been attacked by wolves or coyotes. So call your local shelter."
Sadly, situations like Roadie's are becoming increasingly common.
Speaking to ABC, Dogs’ Refuge Home general manager Kristi Treadgold said: "We are noticing that our surrenders are increasing, probably because of that financial uncertainty.
"People are maybe not able to afford their dogs anymore so the amount of calls we are taking for dogs to be rehomed is increasing.
"If you can help us … to help more dogs, please do so by coming in to adopt and spending that time that you have got at home to put into the dog."
No matter how great we consider our human buddies to be, the title of 'man's best friend' will always belong to dogs. Yeah, they might not be able to hold a decent conversation, and, no, they probably won't help you move house - but they're loyal, and they're adorable, and they're more selfless than any person you'll ever meet.
It turns out, though, that the love we have for dogs goes beyond that of a simple friendship.
A recent study by Professor Jack Levin and Professor Arnold Arluke from Northeastern University in Boston tested how empathetic people were to dogs in comparison to humans, and the results were pretty eye-opening.
During the experiment, 240 participants were given one of four newspaper articles, each describing a vicious attack "with a baseball bat by an unknown assailant". The police report included in the articles was almost exactly the same every time: "Arriving on the scene a few minutes after the attack, a police officer found the victim with one broken leg, multiple lacerations, and unconscious," it said. "No arrests have been made in the case."
However, one change was made between the four: the identity of the victim.
In the first article, the subject of the attack was a 30-year-old person, in the second it was an infant child, and in the other two, the victim was a defenceless six-year-old dog or a young puppy. But which victim did people feel most sorry for?
Well, dog-lovers, it'll probably come as no surprise to you, but the dog received more empathy than the human. In fact, the poor 30-year-old came last out of all four victims, with the human baby and the puppy pretty much tied in first place in terms of who received the most empathy.
“Respondents were significantly less distressed when adult humans were victimized, in comparison with human babies, puppies and adult dogs,” the study concluded. “Only relative to the infant victim did the adult dog receive lower scores of empathy.”
It added that, "Subjects did not view their dogs as animals, but rather as 'fur babies,' or family members alongside human children."
In a way, this makes sense. An adult human being should be far more capable of fending off another human attacker than a dog or a baby would be, so it's natural to show more concern for the weaker victims. And people have known this for a while.
In a 2015 UK campaign, one charity distributed two sets of images: one of a young child, and one of a really sad-looking little puppy. Each set of pictures had the same copy on them - "Would you give £5 to save Harrison from a slow, painful death?"
As you may have guessed, the downtrodden doggy received more attention than the person.
"The fact adult human crime victims receive less empathy than do child, puppy, and full-grown dog victims suggests adult dogs are regarded as dependent and vulnerable not unlike their younger canine counterparts and kids," said professor Levin.
"In addition, it appears that adult humans are viewed as capable of protecting themselves while full-grown dogs are just seen as larger puppies."
The researchers also believe that results would be similar for cats, as, "These are animals to which many individuals attribute human characteristics."
As fascinating as these results may be, we've got to admit that we always knew it to some extent. After all, there's no better person than a dog.
There's an old Jerry Seinfeld joke about dogs. He says, "Dogs are the leaders of the planet. If you see two life forms, one of them's making a poop, the other one's carrying it for him, who would you assume is in charge?” Sure, dogs may not be the leaders of the planet - yet - but we love them. We take them for walks in the park, train them to do tricks and dress them up in humiliating Halloween costumes. We even made a movie about them called All Dogs To Heaven. (All cats, of course, go straight to Hell).
But did you know people love dogs more than humans? I guess that shouldn't be totally surprising, since dogs always show you love, and people can often be jerks. It's just a bummer to think that if you were on a sinking ship, and there was only spot left on the life raft, they'd give it to your dog, Chewie, and leave you to be eaten by sharks. You just can't compete with this face:
In a study published in the Society & Animals Journal, researchers measured peoples' levels of empathy. A team from Northeastern University Boston and the University of Colorado Boulder gathered 256 undergraduate students together - probably by putting up a sign that said "Free Pizza." Then they presented the students with fictitious news reports of attacks with a baseball bat on a 1-year-old baby, a 30-year-old adult, a young puppy, or a 6-year-old dog. Wow, what a fun study! I love thinking about babies and puppies attacked with baseball bats. Especially puppies.
After being presented these horrific stories, the students were asked to report their level of empathy for the victims. The amount of empathy for the baby, puppy and dog victims were roughly the same. But the amount of empathy for the adult victim was to a much lesser degree. Unfortunately, they didn't measure the level of empathy if the victim was Snoop Dogg. But I'm sure it would be through the roof, because he's a national treasure.
The researchers found that the more vulnerable the victim is, the more empathy. Also, people see dogs as "fur babies."
“Respondents were significantly less distressed when adult humans were victimised, in comparison with human babies, puppies and adult dogs.Only relative to the infant victim did the adult dog receive lower scores of empathy.Subjects did not view their dogs as animals, but rather as ‘fur babies’, or family members alongside human children."
That's right, they're not dogs. They're "fur babies." And this fur baby couldn't be happier:
The researchers also noticed that gender had an effect on empathy:
"Female participants were significantly more empathic toward all victims than were their male counterparts."
Of course women are more empathic than men. Men have no feelings. The Y chromosome beats up all the feelings with a baseball bat before they can be registered by the brain. And then the dead feelings are released through burps and farts. That's just science.
Congratulations, dogs! We officially love you more than humans. I've always suspected that, though. Whenever I poop outside, nobody picks it up and puts it in a bag. They just call the police, and now I'm not allowed at the park anymore.
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?!
In a poignant tribute to a beloved furry friend, a box of tennis balls was left on a beach so that other dog owners could spend some quality time together.
Anybody who has ever owned a dog will testify that they quickly become members of the family - excited by your every move and loyal until the very end. Therefore, when they pass, it can be a difficult time for any dog owner.
However, one person opted to honor their late furry friend by leaving a box full of tennis balls on a beach in memory of "the goodest of good boys".
The box was left on Exmouth Beach in the UK, along with a photograph of the late Rex and a note from his owner.
"Rex loved the beach, Rex loved the ball," the note read. "Please feel free to take a ball for your dog and I hope you all enjoy this place as much as we did."
"Rex - sleep well, my ginger prince. The goodest of good boys," the touching tribute concluded.
After a photo of the "lovely gesture" was shared by Devon County Council on Twitter, emotional social media users couldn't help but comment on Rex's final offering, as well as pay tribute to the good boy.
"That’s brought tears my eyes. RIP Rex that’s so kind of the owner hope all the dogs enjoy the tennis balls and remember Rex when using them," one Twitter user replied.
A second added: "A lovely gesture for a much loved four legged friend it seems. Lovely stuff."
"Awww this is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time," tweeted a third. "RIP Rex. You were very loved."
Others weren't too ashamed to say that the heartfelt act brought tears to their eyes, with another Twitter user proclaiming: "I’m a paratrooper, but this had made me cry so much."
The UK's RSCPA states that "grieving a pet can be similar to mourning the loss of a family member", with some owners experiencing "feelings of deep loneliness and isolation".
Fortunately, for anybody struggling, The Blue Cross offers a pet bereavement service, which provides free and confidential support to anybody who has been impacted by the loss of a pet.
Thank you for the tennis balls, Rex! You were clearly a very special doggo.
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