20-Year-Old Labrador Is Filled With Grief When Found By Rescuer Laying Next To Late Owner's Body, Refusing To Let Him Go

Apr 25, 2019 by apost team

A dog is a best friend for life, and sometimes, even after. The story of Sam, a 20-year-old Labrador retriever, has touched the hearts of thousands around the world and reminded us all that dogs truly feel as much as humans do.

The dog was found by Maeghan Olsen, founder and director of 1 Day Ranch Bethel Acres, Oklahoma, grieving beside the body of her late owner. Olsen was contacted by the local sheriff's department for help. The sheriff explained that Sam wouldn't leave her owner's side, which made it difficult to remove the body.

Police believe that Sam had been lying by her owner for a day. Olsen immediately identified the signs of grief when she arrived; Sam was panting and showing signs of canine stress, which isn't uncommon when dogs are dealing with a loss.

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Rather than forcing Sam out of the home, Olsen sat with her and let her mourn. She fed her treats, petted her and slowly gained her trust. She treated Sam with the same patience and dignity that she would a person.

Sam's owner had left the hospital against doctor's orders because he wanted to be with his beloved companion. Although his death is sad, it's a small comfort that he was able to take his last breath beside his best friend.

Sam eventually agreed to be taken from the home on a leash. Olsen took some pillowcases and a blanket along too, so Sam could feel comforted by the scent of him.

She is currently at 1 Day Ranch, and Olsen hopes that she can bring Sam to the owner's funeral to pay respect to their incredible bond.

Dogs mourn and can feel depression just like people. John Ciribassi, DVM, past president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, says that symptoms of depression in dogs can be similar to those experienced by people.

“Dogs will become withdrawn. They become inactive. Their eating and sleeping habits often change. They don’t participate in the things they once enjoyed.”

Some of the symptoms to look out for include:

• Sleeping more than usual
• Loss of appetite
• Withdrawing from social contact
• Inactivity and lethargy

A dog's life can be completely destroyed by the loss of their owner or a companion. If your dog is dealing with loss, you can help by staying present, offering treats and ensuring that you acknowledge their pain. Give them space if they truly need it, but stay close by and make sure that they always have food and water.

If possible, give the dog a comfort item that has the scent of its owner or loved one. Although death is inevitable, we're glad people like Michelle Olsen are around to help dogs like Sam adjust to life after their owners' passing.

You can watch Sam's story in the video below:

Animals do not only feel pain and grief themselves, but they can also help us during difficult times. How have your pets helped you cope with a loss? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to pass this story along to your animal loving friends.