Tears as Dog Still Waits for Best Friend to Return—a Year After She Died

The internet is in shambles after hearing about a dog waiting for her best friend to return home, despite the child dying in April 2024.

A family noticed their dog, Bella, immediately connecting with their daughter Ariana. Ever since Ariana was a baby, the two were inseparable. The parents, who started the Ariana Rye Foundation, shared a glimpse of the besties’ relationship in a May 28 Instagram video to the account @arianaryefoundation.

Bella would snuggle with Ariana and stay under her baby’s bassinet as if she were protecting the child. She would sit on Ariana’s lap as she got older.

But the death of Ariana, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder left the family completely heartbroken, including Bella. Over a year later, Bella still waits for Ariana to come home.

“She lies in her bed all day, every day,” Bella’s owners told Newsweek via Instagram. “I usually give her space. Or come in there when I want to talk to Ariana.”

The owners said they added a new blanket on top of Ariana’s bed because Bella kept getting the comforter dirty from how long she spent on it. The text on the video reads that Bella “soulmated so hard,” which left her confused and heartbroken.

Ariana died while the family was on vacation, and Bella was with them. They also brought her to the viewing, giving her that closure she needed just as much as they did, the caption explained.

Now, as Bella grieves, the owners try to comfort the 12-year-old dog. They tell her that they also miss Ariana, ensuring her that Arianna will run to her when she gets to heaven.

“And finally, give her all the pets that she’s always wanted from Ariana,” the owner said.

Knowing Bella’s a senior, the owner said they ask Bella to give Ariana a message from them when she finally gets to see her, which they know will happen because “all dogs go to heaven.”

Instagram users flooded the comment section with their condolences and heartbreak for the family and Bella. As of Wednesday, the video amassed over 2.8 million views, 426,000 likes and 512 comments.

“Her glow is even gone. She had a golden glow…it’s okay she’ll see her sunshine soon,” commented one user.

A second person added: “May she rest in peace. We do live our best lives with our pup.”

Another wrote: “May she rest in peace and let this baby find her inner peace.”