Construction workers noticed a loyal dog waiting by the same bridge every day — until a disturbing video explained his heartbreak

He sat quietly near the railing, refusing food, water, and comfort from anyone who approached.

PUBLISHED 6 DAYS AGO

(L) A dog waiting on a bridge. (R) Construction workers on a bridge. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Chalabala, (R) Johner Images)

Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of self-harm that some readers may find distressing.

Dogs are known for their loyalty, often forming bonds so strong that even time or distance can’t easily break them. In one small corner of China, a little dog captured hearts when he was found sitting alone on a bridge for days, waiting for someone only he seemed to understand. Passersby tried to help, but the dog wouldn’t move, staying in the same place no matter what, until one kind man decided to step in.

Image Source: Pexels | Photo by
Yury Kim — A construction worker. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Yury Kim)

As reported by iHeartDogs, workers repairing the Yangtze River Bridge in Wuhan first spotted the light-colored mixed-breed dog on June 1, 2020. He sat quietly near the railing, refusing food, water, and comfort from anyone who approached. When volunteers from the Wuhan Small Animal Protection Association (SAPA) arrived, they decided to find out more about the dog, as per Metro News. Security footage revealed what no one had expected: on May 30, a person accompanied by their dog stopped at the railing and jumped without hesitation. From that day onward, the dog returned to the same spot, waiting.

Man standing by bridge in deep thought. (Representative Image Source: Unsplash| 43 clicks north) — Man standing by bridge in deep thought. (Representative Image Source: Unsplash | 43 clicks north)

A kind resident named Mr. Xu tried to help after hearing about the loyal pup. He visited the bridge daily, bringing food and water, but the dog showed no interest. Mr. Xu told SAPA that the dog refused to eat and wouldn’t move when he called out to him. On June 5, he finally managed to lift the dog into his car, hoping to take him to safety. But as soon as he opened the car door, the dog jumped out and ran back toward the bridge. "[Mr. Xu] told us the dog looked back at him several times as it was running away. Maybe the dog knew he was trying to help, but he needed to return to the location where its owner had disappeared," shared SAPA. Volunteers searched the area for days, but the dog was never found again.

A dog walking on a suspension bridge in the woods. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Lucas Tran)

SAPA’s director, Du Fan, said the dog’s behavior showed the powerful bond he shared with his owner. “The dog watched as its owner disappeared into the water below,” Du explained. “It cannot speak, and cannot tell us what happened. It could only stand guard in the same spot, waiting for its owner to return.” According to the American Kennel Club, dogs can grieve much like humans, showing distress when a person they love is gone. As reported by animal behaviorist Russell Hartstein, losing an owner can be deeply confusing and sad for pets.

A sad-looking Pomeranian dog on the street. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Alelsandr Petkov)

Dogs may not understand death, but they feel the absence through changes in routine or by missing their owner’s familiar sights, sounds, and smells. Mr. Xu further shared that he wished to give the loyal animal a new home and a chance to heal if found. “It would be a pity for such a loyal dog to live on the streets as a stray,” commented SAPA.

If you are having thoughts about taking your own life, or know of anyone who is, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).