Grieving dog recognizes deceased best friend in photo and can’t take his eyes off it
Dogs are known for their compassionate nature and emotional intelligence. They possess a unique ability to sense when someone has passed away and can go through a grieving process for their lost loved ones.
A heartwarming example of this emotional connection was seen in Alli Trent’s dogs. Alli had two furry companions – her longtime childhood pet Lacy, and a sweet beagle named Lola who joined the family in 2017. Recently, one of the dogs showed a touching response to a photo of their departed friend, highlighting the strong bond between these loyal animals.
On the Instagram account the_beagle_lola, it was mentioned how the older dog was not too happy about the new puppy joining the household at first. However, Lola saw Lacy as a role model and quickly developed a bond with her, eventually becoming like sisters. Alli shared with The Dodo that although Lacy would growl at Lola initially, Lola remained calm and patient, showing her admiration for Lacy right from the start.
The family shared on their Instagram account, the_beagle_lola, that Lola, the beagle, took care of Lacy, an older dog, as Lacy’s health started to deteriorate. Unfortunately, Lacy’s health worsened on Christmas Eve, and she passed away at the age of 14 this month. The family expressed their immense grief, stating that Lola will also miss Lacy dearly. Lacy ruled their world, and now it’s difficult to picture a world without her.
After Lacy crossed the rainbow bridge, a poignant yet heartwarming moment captured just how deeply Lola missed her beloved companion. Alli decided to honor Lacy’s memory by purchasing a special tribute: a photo of the departed pup displayed on a shelf in their home. Surprisingly, Lola seemed to be immediately drawn to the picture, almost as if she could sense her old friend’s presence. “Lola was strangely fascinated by it,” Alli shared on Instagram. “I never expected her to recognize Lacy in that photo. I mean, I change our decorations all the time and Lola never pays any attention to them.” Nevertheless, Lola persisted in visiting the photo, almost as if she was paying her respects to her dearly departed friend. “She just kept walking up to the picture, trying to reach it while wagging her tail.”
The grieving process of the dog was evident when Alli asked Lola if she missed Lacy and questioned “where is Lacy?” Lola immediately dashed over to Lacy’s photograph. Alli shared, “Without any hesitation, she raced over to the couch, leaped onto the arm just like in the photo, and pressed her nose against the image while wagging her tail as if it were really her.”
It may be difficult to comprehend that dogs can experience grief much like humans, yet this phenomenon occurs frequently. There have been numerous accounts of dogs regularly visiting their owners’ graves. In a separate viral incident, a dog appeared to recognize his departed brother from a portrait.
This serves as a reminder of the profound intelligence and genuine love that dogs possess, enabling them to miss someone even after they have passed away. For Alli, it brings comfort to know that someone else misses Lacy just as much as she does. She expressed, “My Lola somehow recognizes that this is Lacy, and although my heart aches from Lacy’s absence, it warms my heart knowing that Lola can still see her in this picture.”
The bond between Lacy and Lola serves as a testament to the deep emotional connections dogs form, not just with their human companions, but also with each other. These moments of grief and remembrance show that dogs, much like humans, find ways to cope with loss in their own unique ways. For Lola, recognizing Lacy in the photo may be her way of holding onto the memories they shared, finding comfort in the familiar face of her beloved friend.
The impact of Lacy’s passing extends beyond Lola. Alli shared that their household feels quieter without the playful yet steady presence of Lacy. “She had this way of grounding us all,” Alli wrote in one of her posts. “Even as she grew older and slowed down, her presence was a constant source of comfort and joy. Losing her has left a void that’s hard to fill.” Yet, in seeing how Lola interacts with Lacy’s photo, Alli finds small moments of healing. She often places the picture where Lola can easily see it, allowing her to “visit” her companion whenever she wishes.
Lola’s behavior is not uncommon among dogs who lose close companions. Experts suggest that dogs may express their grief through changes in behavior such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or increased attachment to their human family members. However, Lola’s reaction is particularly touching because it shows not just grief but an active effort to keep her connection with Lacy alive. It’s as if Lola understands that the photograph represents something meaningful, and her actions demonstrate a sense of loyalty and love that transcends the physical absence of her friend.
Alli has decided to embrace this bittersweet process of mourning and remembrance by creating a small memorial corner in their home. Alongside Lacy’s photograph, she has placed a few of Lacy’s favorite toys and a candle that she lights in the evenings. She shared on Instagram, “It’s not just for me—it’s for Lola too. I think she finds comfort in this little space, just like I do.”
The story of Lacy and Lola has resonated deeply with followers on social media. Many people have commented on how their own pets have displayed similar acts of remembrance after losing a loved one. “Dogs are so much more than animals; they’re family,” one follower wrote. Another shared, “This reminds me of when my dog lost his best friend. He used to sit by the door waiting for him to come back. It’s heartbreaking but also beautiful to see how much love they have.”
Such stories remind us that grief is not a uniquely human experience. Animals, especially dogs, often show a depth of emotion that is both surprising and profoundly moving. Lola’s actions also serve as a reminder of the importance of being there for our pets during these difficult times. Just as humans need time and support to process loss, so do our furry friends.
For Alli, the journey of healing is still ongoing. She admits that some days are harder than others, but Lola’s unwavering affection and gentle reminders of Lacy provide her with solace. “In many ways, Lola is helping me heal too,” she said. “Every time she looks at that picture or wags her tail like she’s greeting Lacy, it’s as if she’s reminding me that the love we shared with Lacy will always be a part of us.”
Looking to the future, Alli plans to honor Lacy’s memory in other ways as well. She hopes to volunteer at a local animal shelter in Lacy’s name, giving back to other dogs who might one day form bonds as strong as those between her two companions. “Lacy taught us so much about love, patience, and kindness,” Alli reflected. “If we can pass even a fraction of that on, then her legacy will live on.”
For now, Lola continues to find her way through the grieving process, leaning on Alli and the comforting presence of Lacy’s photo. And in doing so, she reminds everyone who hears her story of the unbreakable bond that exists between dogs and their loved ones—one that even time and distance cannot diminish.
