Dog mom looked back at pictures from her difficult IVF journey — was moved to tears by what her pup did in every single shot

As they move forward in their IVF journey, she dreams of the day Rusty becomes a big brother to a little human sibling

PUBLISHED 4 HOURS AGO

(L) A woman taking IVF injection. (R) A woman hugging her pet dog. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Maskot, (R) Anastasiia Krivenok)

Many couples facing fertility challenges turn to in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a hopeful path toward parenthood. The process, however, is often emotionally and physically demanding. Jenna and Thomas Hendricks documented their journey and discovered a companion silently offering comfort. Looking back at the footage she had collected, Jenna realized someone special had been by her side the entire time.

A sad couple hugging each other. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | SDI Productions)

As reported by Newsweek, Jenna and Thomas began their IVF journey in August 2025 after two years of trying to conceive. They documented everything, from medications to daily routines, posting updates to Jenna’s Instagram account, @miles.with.jenna. Jenna has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common condition that affects hormone levels and fertility. “In April of 2024, we experienced a miscarriage, and another in October 2024,” Jenna shared via email with the news channel. After months of procedures and three failed IUI attempts, the couple turned to IVF.

Woman hugging her pet dog. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Oscar Wong) — Woman hugging her pet dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Oscar Wong)

It wasn’t until she rewatched the videos that Jenna noticed something powerful: her dog, Rusty, was always there. In nearly every clip, the 11-year-old rescue could be seen quietly watching over her. “IVF stimulation can feel intimidating, so I was always focused on mixing the right amount and not really paying attention to where the dogs were,” she said. But seeing Rusty’s presence touched her deeply. While their other dog, Jet, was also nearby, Rusty's bond with Jenna stood out, reminding her that he had been silently supporting her all along. "Our other dog, Jet, was nearby, I'm sure, but I couldn't believe Rusty's love and concern was captured in so many clips."

A worried couple hugging each other. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Justin Paget) — A worried couple hugging each other. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Justin Paget)

Through onscreen text in her video, Jenna shared the entire story. “POV: Watching your IVF journey back when you realize your first baby has been keeping watch over every step of your infertility journey.” She says Rusty has always been “attached to her hip” since they rescued him from a high-kill shelter nearly eight years ago. Now, as they wait for the next phase of their IVF journey, she hopes that one day Rusty will take on a new role, as a big brother to a human sibling. “Both of our dogs have provided so much comfort during this time,” Jenna added. “Whether it's facing the emotional struggles of infertility, or physically recovering from the procedures, they are right there with me, ready to cuddle on the couch whenever I need it.”

A woman looking at her dog with tears in her eyes as she holds her pet. Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | Ekua Apau — A woman looking at her dog with tears in her eyes as she holds her pet. (Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | Ekua Apau)

The video instantly went viral, with numerous internet users flooding the comment section with warm messages and personal stories. @runner.babe.26.2 wrote, "My dog was one of the key players in my IVF journey. He, along with my hubby, was there through good and bad with his selfless love, compassion, and unconditional loyalty. We don’t deserve dogs." While @aawaite shared, "This is precious! Our dog, Penny, was on our IVF journey with us too and has loved her human brother and sister from the start!"

For more endearing dog content, follow @miles.with.jenna on Instagram.