Internet viewers have been left teary-eyed over what unfolded when a woman returned to her late grandfather’s home.
Sarah Benson (@buried.bloom), from Oregon, shared a video of her grandfather’s dog after finding her tied to a tree. The clip, which shows the dog’s emotional rescue, has racked up over 47,100 likes and more than 358,100 views on TikTok.
“My grandpa was my best friend, I know that sounds cliche, but it’s true. We talked nearly every day when I moved out of state so, when he fell ill, my husband and I decided to move our children back to our home state, Oregon,” Benson told Newsweek.
Benson said: “His dog Riley was nearly 13 at the time and was his best friend. They became inseparable after my grandma’s passing. She was the only farm dog that had ever been allowed in the bedroom, let alone in bed next to him. They shared meals, she went in the car with him, and she was so confused when he passed. Upon learning that they were only being fed, we made it a point to go out there and spend time with them,” she added.
Benson said that, after her grandfather’s passing, she noticed a change in family dynamics and became concerned about the welfare of the animals left on his property. She claimed that, despite offering to take them in, the animals were rehomed elsewhere. When she located them, Benson said she found Riley tied to a tree and decided to bring the dog home with her.
Benson told Newsweek that she and her husband also managed to take in the horses that once lived on her grandfather’s farm. The couple arranged for the horses to spend their remaining years on a trusted property, where they have lived comfortably ever since.
According to Benson, the rescue became an important part of her family’s healing process. She described how Riley lived for another two years before passing away from a stroke, sharing that the dog’s companionship helped her and her children grieve her grandfather’s loss.
“It was an honor caring for her with dignity in her final years and giving her the life my papa would have given her,” Benson said. “We were able to heal and grieve together. Riley’s soul was made for healing. She helped my papa grieve my grandma and we helped each other grieve my papa. It was a full-circle moment, and I cherish it.”
The touching story has moved TikTok viewers, many of whom expressed their admiration and sympathy in the comments.
“Thank you for taking his dog. She’s so old and she was mourning too,” wrote one user.
“Nothing worse then seeing a grandparent pass away and watching the family destroy what was there prized possessions! Just know your papa is looking down smiling and thanking you,” posted Austin Ogle.
“My husband’s grandfather passed away and I found out that they had his dog at his house that no one was living there with him for a year and a half. They would just come and give him food. When we moved in someone said that we should’ve taken him to the shelter. Like hell no he was with us for two years before he passed at 17,” shared another user.
“Good! Ugh … this breaks my heart,” added Brook.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
