Grieving Woman Borrows Neighbor's Dog and Her Response Is Adorable

Losing a pet may be no different from losing a loved family member for many owners. But one woman's grief was eased when she was able to "borrow" her neighbor's dog while dealing with the loss of her own.

Losing a pet may be no different from losing a loved family member for many owners. But one woman's grief was eased when she was able to "borrow" her neighbor's dog while dealing with the loss of her own.

Writing over her viral TikTok clip, Nicole Dennison, 30, (@theanxiousakitamum) says: "POV: Your neighbor had to put down her dog so you let her borrow yours."

The bittersweet clip shows 9-month-old Ryan, a great Pyrenees puppy playing with the neighbor Kathy in the backyard. It turns out she isn't the only one grieving as Dennison also said goodbye to her Akitas dog earlier this year.

Dennison told Newsweek: "Ryan just knew she needed his love."

So far, the clip has racked up 58,600 likes and over 286,000 views since it was shared on August 31.

Some 51 percent of 5,073 U.S. adults surveyed said their pet is part of the family, according to a Pew Research Center survey. So it's no wonder that saying goodbye for the final time is never easy.

Dennison told Newsweek: "Back in March, I had to put down one of my Akitas and Kathy was there for me every day. She always had a hug waiting for me, she would put little notes in my mail box to remind me how how loved and thought of I was during that time.

"About three weeks after losing Banx, my husband blessed me with Ryan for my 30th birthday. Little did I know just a couple weeks after bringing home Ryan my sweet neighbor Kathy had to put her sweet dog Dexter down so we both were grieving and having a hard time.

"We make it a point to check on each other. Ryan started to wait at the little gate we have that separates our land and I told her she was more than welcome to take Ryan over to her house for play dates anytime she needs."

Pet Bereavement Tips for Owners

U.K.-based pet bereavement counselor Joe Nutkins told Newsweek there are several ways owners can deal with the loss of their beloved pet. She shared the following tips:

  • Allow yourself time to grieve. There's no set time for grief, and putting a time limit on how long you should be upset and heartbroken puts huge pressure on you. Grief that is hurried or hidden away will come back when you least expect it and can affect your ability to function, concentrate or even complete simple tasks.
  • Don't rush into removing your dog's items too soon. Sometimes it can be painful to see the dog's collar and lead, bed, food bowl and other items. Rather than throwing them out, consider storing them safely. You can look through them at a later date.
  • Consider speaking to a pet bereavement counselor or a friend or family member who is a pet lover and will be able to empathize.
  • Try to not dismiss your grief because "it was just a dog." There can be judgment from people you know who have never shared their lives with a dog and don't know how special the bond we develop is.
  • Look into having something special created as a keepsake: a drawing of your dog, a printed photo or an item that includes your dog's ashes or fur clipping, such as jewelry or a key ring.
  • Spend some time in nature. Go for a walk, sit by a lake or pond or watch the sea for a while.
  • Remember fond memories, funny quirks and your dog's favorite things. In time, the memories will become more reassuring than painful.

    • While the TikTok video was recorded in sad circumstances, it is hard not to feel happy while watching the dog bounce around and play with the woman.

    One user said: "He looks just as happy to be there."

    "Oh my heart. The bouncy hops. I know that brought her joy," said another.

    "Awe....bless you both and your pupper!!! A little kindness goes soooooo far!!!" wrote another user.

    Update 9/7/2023 10:07 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from the OP, Nicole, and new pictures.

    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.

    Uncommon Knowledge

    Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

    Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

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