Even when you know your pet’s time is reaching its final moments, nothing can prepare you for the agonizing goodbyes that come along as they pass over the rainbow bridge.
Josée Carbonneau recently posted to TikTok account @josy_carbo the final moments the family had with their beloved golden retriever Cooper. He held out for as long as he could, but the family knew they had to do what was best for him, a heartbreaking realization pet parents may have to make.
They surrounded him during his final moments, laying him on a bed filled with blankets and his toys. His best friend and neighbor, who visited Cooper almost every day, came over one last time. Cooper’s bestie and his puppy brother stood by his side during the final moments.
With his head in Carbonneau’s lap, she sang to him for the last time. And they all held his paws when it was time. Cooper was the love of her life and in the video, she said it was the “hardest goodbye.”
@josy_carbo/TikTok
Cooper was surrounded by nothing but love during his final moments. Even though he looked exhausted, you could see in his eyes how appreciative he was to have his favorites next to his side.
“He’s the best thing that ever happened to me and I’m forever grateful,” Carbonneau commented on the video. “I don’t think it’s possible to love more than my heart loved him.”
It’s important to soak up every last moment with your pet, especially if the time together is nearing the end. Owners should prepare themselves mentally and physically for when the dreaded time comes as it will be strange without their fur baby by their sides.
Owners also might want to consider making arrangements for what to do with your pet’s body afterward so you can avoid dealing with it during the grieving process. Take extra photos or make keepsakes of their paw prints that you can cherish forever.
How Viewers Reacted
The tear-filled TikTok video had over 2.3 million views, 265,100 likes, and 7,471 comments as of Monday. Viewers shared condolences and offered words of encouragement during this difficult time.
“I’ve received thousands of messages from kind and loving strangers, I’m overwhelmed and deeply touched by the amount of love I’m receiving right now,” she told Newsweek via TikTok.
One viewer wrote in the comment section: “So sorry for your loss. RIP Cooper. All dogs go to heaven.”
Another added: “Someone told me once that dogs don’t live as long as us because they love enough for 10 lifetimes.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] 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.