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By Liz O'Connell
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A video of a confused dog searching for her canine brother a few days after his death shattered people's hearts.
An owner's two dogs, Phoebe and Oliver, were inseparable, always playing together and being by each other's side. But Phoebe and the owner's world turned upside down when Oliver died at the end of January.
The owner, known on TikTok as @pawsitivelyhappyvibes, shared about the difficulty of grieving a pet—the endless tears, the new routines and sudden emptiness. But she didn't realize that Phoebe would also struggle with the loss.
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The owner noticed Phoebe feeling lost and confused a few days after Oliver passed. In a February 2 video, Phoebe paced back and forth on the couch. She was "looking for her brother" in all his usual spots—behind the pillows and wrapped under the blankets. When he didn't show up, she curled up by herself in defeat.
The text on the video explained that the owner had never seen Phoebe act this way. She was heartbroken without her bestie. It became evident that Phoebe, like the owner, would need time to mourn Oliver.
Part of the caption reads: "She will definitely be getting lots of cuddles and kisses and will be spending time with her cousins when I return to work tomorrow."
Newsweek reached out to @pawsitivelyhappyvibes via TikTok for additional information.
An expert in dog behavior previously told Newsweek that grief affects pets just as much as people. A dog's behavior might change during mourning. Perhaps they've become lethargic or lost their appetite.
As this owner learned, it's often better to heal together and to help a dog work through grief. The article suggested giving them extra affection, which helps alleviate the feeling of loss or loneliness. It's also important to keep dogs distracted through exercise and stimulation, which will help them stay healthy.
As of Monday, the TikTok video amassed over 266,400 views and 22,800 likes, with viewers sharing their condolences.
"My heart goes out to both of you. Happy, healing Energy your way," said one person.
Another added: "They grieve too. Bless her heart and yours."
A third commented: "Oh no, poor little babe. The stillness of her tail & the head drop says more than any words ever could."
Others suggested bringing home another dog to keep Phoebe company, but the owner shared in a comment on a separate video that it is too soon for her.
The comment reads: "In time, we may add another fur baby to our circle. But it's still too soon. I'm waiting for Oliver's ashes still, and my dog momma heart is still hurting and missing my baby boy."
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