SHE LOST HER OWNER… AND NOW SHE NEEDS A LOT OF LOVE

My elderly neighbor was admitted to the hospital last week. I’ve been stopping by her house to feed her little dog, who would cry for hours missing her. Sadly, she passed away today, so I brought the little one to my home. I gave her a bath, trimmed her fur, and was rewarded with a gentle cuddle.
I’ve never cared for a grieving animal before, and if anyone has advice on how to help her through this, I’d truly appreciate it.
This sweet girl is also very old and has never been apart from her “mom” before. 🥰

Since she arrived, she’s been walking slowly around the house, as if searching for something she can’t quite find. Sometimes she stops by the door and waits, like she still believes her owner is coming back. It breaks my heart to see such loyalty and sorrow in her eyes. I try to stay close to her, speaking softly, offering gentle affection, and creating a cozy space—but I know what she really longs for is the presence of the one she loved. I’m doing my best to make her feel safe, loved, and held, even if nothing can replace that bond.

What touches me the most is that, even through her grief, she remains so tender. It’s like she understands that I’m here for her now. Caring for her in this painful moment has made me reflect on the depth of love and connection animals have with us. They feel, they grieve, they love — and they deserve our compassion and respect. This little one has gained a new home, but I’ve gained a powerful reminder about empathy, patience, and the beauty of loyalty. In a way, I feel like I’m honoring my neighbor’s memory by caring for the soul she loved most.