It’s both remarkable and deeply touching how emotionally intelligent dogs can be. They form genuine bonds of love and companionship not only with humans but also with other animals, and like us, they experience profound grief when a loved one passes away.

Tricycle, a three-legged golden retriever at Horse Creek Stable Rescue Sanctuary in Georgia, exemplifies this sensitivity. Living among various special needs animals at the sanctuary, Tricycle forged a close friendship with Major, a St. Bernard/mastiff mix. When Major passed away in 2016, Tricycle’s sorrow was palpable.

The sanctuary staff noticed something extraordinary: Tricycle would visit Major’s grave daily, staying there for hours. His mourning continued for several days, a clear sign of his deep emotional connection with Major. Lester Aradi, the sanctuary owner, likened Tricycle’s grief to that of humans, emphasizing that animals, too, experience profound loss.

Tricycle’s empathy extended beyond Major; he mourned for other animals that passed away at the sanctuary, including Trixie the alpaca. His displays of sadness, such as crying and lingering near their graves, underscored the depth of his emotional understanding and attachment.

This heartwarming story serves as a poignant reminder of the authenticity of animal love and the complexity of emotions dogs share with us. It highlights how dogs, with their loyal hearts and deep connections, can teach us about the universality of grief and the power of compassionate companionship.