A heartbreaking viral TikTok post shared by owner Britney Rene (@britneyrene) captures the emotional moment when her two dogs say goodbye to their senior brother, Boomer, for the final time. Boomer, a 13-year-old miniature Australian shepherd, passed away from a brain tumor, and the owners made the difficult decision to euthanize him to end his suffering. Before burying him, they allowed their two other dogs to sniff Boomer’s lifeless body, allowing them to say their goodbyes. The poignant video has resonated with viewers, garnering 1.4 million views and 115,000 likes.
The dogs’ bond with Boomer is evident in archive videos shared by Rene, showing him always staying close to his two sisters and expressing his love for them through grooming. In a montage of clips posted on November 17, the dogs can be seen gently sniffing Boomer before a flashback to their special bond. The caption emphasizes the importance of allowing pets to say goodbye and acknowledges that they, too, grieve. Canines can experience emotional distress when facing the loss of a companion, exhibiting behaviors such as withdrawal, loss of appetite, lethargy, aggression, vocalizations, searching, and increased clinginess. Owners can help their grieving pets by providing love, praise, reassurance, and redirecting destructive behaviors if necessary.
The video has sparked an outpouring of condolences, with nearly 4,000 comments from strangers expressing sympathy for the family’s loss. Viewers were deeply moved by the images of Boomer’s lifeless body juxtaposed with past videos of him alive, prompting emotional responses and reflections on the unconditional love that pets provide. Many commenters commended Rene for allowing the dogs to see their brother and share in the grieving process, acknowledging the strong bond between the pets. Rene has received messages of support and empathy from the TikTok community, with users recognizing the significance of allowing pets to say goodbye and the impact of losing a beloved companion.
The American Kennel Club emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting dogs’ emotional responses to loss, as they can grieve the absence of a loved one just like humans. Signs of grief in dogs can vary and may include withdrawal, loss of appetite, lethargy, aggression, vocalizations, searching behavior, and increased clinginess. Owners are encouraged to offer love, praise, reassurance, and redirection for destructive behaviors to help their grieving pets cope. In some cases, consulting a vet may be necessary if the pet refuses to eat or exhibits extreme lethargy.
The heartbreaking video of the dogs saying goodbye to their senior brother highlights the deep emotional connections that pets can form with one another and with their human family members. The support and empathy shown by the TikTok community towards Rene and her dogs reflect the universal understanding of the pain and grief that comes with losing a beloved pet. By allowing their other dogs to say goodbye to Boomer, Rene and her family demonstrated compassion and understanding for their pets’ emotional needs, recognizing the significance of the bond they shared. The viral video serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and supporting the grieving process for both humans and animals when faced with the loss of a cherished companion.
