13-year-old got a puppy after losing his dad who was allergic to dogs – burst into tears when he realized who it was from

For most people, meeting their pet for the first time is a joyful and heartwarming experience. Logan Kavaluskis had always dreamed of having a puppy, but his father’s severe dog allergy had always made it impossible. A video captured the bittersweet moment as the then-13-year-old was handed his first pup, which was a gift from someone very special.

47-year-old Joe Kavaluskis lost his nine-year battle with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer in January 2020. Before leaving behind his wife and two sons, he wanted to fulfill his youngest son Logan's long-time dream for his 13th birthday. According to 13 ON YOUR SIDE, Logan had always wanted to have a Boston Terrier, but his dad had a dog allergy, which kept him from fulfilling his wish. However, during his final days, Joe revealed to his wife, Melanie, that they must get their son a puppy after his death. "'Just promise that when I do pass, that you get Logan a puppy as soon as you can, because I know that it will bring him a lot of comfort,'" Melanie Kavaluskis told Inside Edition.

But why a Boston Terrier? Well, at 3 years old, Logan was gifted a stuffed Boston Terrier toy, which he named Puppers and took everywhere he went for years. This core memory struck Joe, and he decided to adopt the same breed as his last gift to his son. In the video captured by his family, Logan's cousin handed him a Boston Terrier pup. Just a week after his father's death, the family drove to Midland to pick up their new puppy, named Indy.

The family was heading north from their home in Michigan to collect Indy; however, Logan had no idea it was really for him. As soon as he held the little pup, his cousin revealed the puppy was actually a gift from his dad, saying, "That’s your dog. He’s yours. Dad wanted you to have a puppy." An emotional Logan fought back tears as he asked, "Really?" while hugging his new best friend. Logan, who was in shock, enjoys his time with his new best friend. He said, "He fits to all of our needs. Cuddles with my mom and my brother and plays with me, unless I want him to relax."

According to the National Library of Medicine, a 2021 study indicated that individuals grieving the loss of a loved one reported higher satisfaction with support received from animals compared to humans. Out of 248 participants, 89% who received comfort from a pet or animal reported being either extremely or mostly satisfied. The study revealed that pets, through their unconditional presence, companionship, and intuitive responses to human emotions, often provide a level of comfort that surpasses human social support, helping grieving individuals feel seen, understood, and emotionally soothed during difficult times. Though Logan may have lost his dad, his dad’s sweetest gift to him will make him feel his presence even in his absence.