A woman has filmed the emotional moment she said goodbye to her beloved family dog ahead of moving abroad.
In the heartbreaking video, Aiste Stankeviciute (@_aiste_st), is seen sitting on the floor opposite her 12-year-old golden retriever, Fudge. The 26-year-old starts to cry as he licks her tears away.
“I’m so excited, but it’s a very bittersweet feeling leaving everyone behind,” Stankeviciute, who is leaving the United Kingdom today to live in Bali, Indonesia, told Newsweek. Before leaving for Asia, the online fitness coach spoke about the tearjerking video that has received over 531,000 views since yesterday (April 21).
Aiste Stankeviciute/TikTok/@_aiste_st
Stankeviciute said: “Fudge and I grew up together, and he’s a big part of my life.
“I started organizing my move abroad last year and, about two months ago, his health started to deteriorate and it made me reconsider moving as I didn’t want to leave him.
“But logically, it wasn’t feasible as I had already paid for a lot of things such as accommodation,” added Stankeviciute.
It is clear from the text overlaying the video that saying goodbye to her pet has been very difficult; she calls it “one of the hardest things” she has ever had to do.
“I said a big goodbye to him because I am unsure if I will ever see him again,” she told Newsweek. “Obviously, I hope he lives longer, but you never know.”
The American Kennel Club says goldens live for 10 to 12 years, but owners will be pleased to know there are ways to extend their expectancy. Veterinarians have previously told Newsweek their best advice that aims to boost a canine’s life and hopefully lengthen it, too.
So far, the video has amassed more than 66,000 likes and left internet users in tears.
One wrote: “Gosh this is so poignant. I’m going to try and travel next year whilst my dog is still only four, I feel like I’m on a time limit.”
“My dog is 20 and I know the next time I go home from Australia she [won’t] be there,” posted another.
A third commenter added: “This morning I told my 17 year old cat that I love her & that if it’s her time it’s ok. While I was at work she passed in her sleep. Always say your I love you’s. Life is precious.”
“Trust that you will hurt & feel so sad. But this adventure is not something you’ll regret. My kids are young, but I want them to do a year abroad. Life changing,” commented a fourth.
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.