You might want to grab a tissue before watching a heartbreaking TikTok video that shows a compassionate dog looking after their sibling until the very end of his life.
The tear-jerking clip shared by owner @roccorupertrosie shows Rosie, a Newfoundland dog, smothering Rupert, a cancer-stricken bloodhound with kisses, something she did after tumors that affected his skull were discovered.
The heart-wrenching video was captured on the day before he passed but his spirit lives on through his owner who has continued to post clips of her furry friend online.
The video has amassed over 425,000 views since it was shared on November 19.
The on-screen text states: “Rosie always made sure she tried to help Rupert every single day. This was the day before he passed.”
The clip is captioned: “Why am I doing this to myself? I miss him so much. I wish he didn’t have to go but God needed him up there. He is in good hands now, I believe.”
Other videos on the page show the severity of Rupert’s condition, his appearance changing dramatically. His owner said: “Rupert amazes me. He is so sick with cancer of his skull that his eyes have shifted location. Yet, he is still hungry and wants his walks.”
In another video, the owner states he was diagnosed with osteosarcomas, tumors caused by an abnormal production of cells that create and degrade bone, according to the VCA Hospitals.
What causes this type of tumor?
The American and Canada-based animal hospital group has explained it is hard to pinpoint why a pet may develop any tumor. It could be caused by a “complex mix of risk factors, some environmental and some genetic or hereditary,” according to the VCA Hospitals website.
What are the signs of osteosarcoma?
The VCA Hospital website points out that the tumors commonly affect dogs’ limbs. But symptoms can include:-
What are the treatments for this type of tumor?
An amputation is possible for dogs whose limbs have been affected or chemotherapy. It isn’t clear what treatment Rupert required but his owner mentioned he was taking medication but that the tumor was “growing a lot” just 23 days after the initial diagnosis.
Matt LaVigne/iStock/Getty Images Plus
So far, the heartbreaking video has more than 17,000 likes and plenty of comments from people sending their condolences.
One user said: “That poor boy. I hope he is in a better place and pain free. Hope you are healing ok.”
“This is so heartbreaking. I pray he is in heaven looking down on you, sending you little winks he is protecting and loving you all,” said another user.
Newsweek reached out to @roccorupertrosie for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.
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
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.