Losing a loved one is a painful experience, and dogs feel that grief just as much as humans do.
Their loyalty means they stand by their owners and family no matter what, in good times and in bad, and when those loved ones are gone, it can be hard.
For Sadie, a border collie, Dalmatian, and shepherd mix aged 13 years old, those feelings are more real than ever.
Taken in by her loving family at the age of just eight weeks, she formed a close bond with her human parents.
Nothing could have prepared her for her Dad’s sudden passing, and when emergency responders realized he could not be saved, she lay down beside him and gently pushed his hand with her nose.
Julia Beaulieu, Sadie’s remaining parent, was devastated by her husband’s loss, but she couldn’t help noticing Sadie was feeling the same way.
The pup would stare out the window, nervously awaiting his return, and she stopped eating for a whole 10 days, swiftly losing 10 lbs in the process.
Julia knew Sadie needed closure, so she decided to bring Sadie along for the memorial she had been planning.
They arrived for the visitation, and Sadie curiously peered into the casket.
When she saw what was inside, she went rigid with shock.
Then, suddenly, she relaxed and stood next to her Mom calmly.
Later, when she went home, Sadie ate her first meal in ten days.
Seeing her Dad had made her understand what had happened, and gave her the closure she needed to begin to heal.
Together, she and her Mom will be there for each other as they work through this difficult time.
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