Dog searching for his dead companion finally realizes he’s gone — and the moment is simply heartbreaking

When Eddie, who goes by @eddienchooch215 on Instagram, lost his beloved dog, Chooch, he just couldn't explain to Cici, his other pup, about his sudden disappearance. The heartbroken furbaby kept searching the whole house in hopes of reuniting with Chooch until Eddie found a way to tell her that he's gone forever.

"Cici, you're looking for Chooch? He isn't in there!" Eddie said, as his dog kept pacing from room to room, searching for her companion. When the man, perhaps, talked about Cici's struggle to accept Chooch's absence to the veterinarian group, they suggested Eddie show her the towel his dog rested on before his demise. "I knew Cici would be looking around for Chooch. She doesn't understand, but this right here, a blanket/towel, is that Chooch; he died on this. The vet told me to show Cici this, and she will smell, and she will understand that he isn't here anymore," Eddie said, serving his dog a devastating truth.

Cici took a brief minute, sniffing the towel, and possibly when she finally understood that Chooch would never return, she extended her paw to Eddie, as if consoling him amidst the difficult time. "This is the hardest thing I have ever gone through in my life. I am just grateful that so many people loved Chooch. He really brightened people's day!" Eddie shared. Notably, according to research by Scientific Reports, when a team of animal behaviorists surveyed 426 pet owners in Italy, all of whom had at least 2 dogs, and one of them died, they found that almost 90% reported behavior change in their surviving pup. 

The heartwrenching video went viral on social media, leaving everyone in tears. Echoing the sentiments, @dani_in_boca commented, "My dog went into a deep depression after losing her playmate of 13 years. They know, and they grieve, too. Our prayers are with you and your family. Chooch’s fans definitely love him, but we love Cici too!" On the other hand, @notsoscarymarytvonyoutube shared, "This has me in tears. Heartbreaking. This is a nightmare, I swear. I am sorry! I know I don't know you guys personally, but I have followed this channel for so long that I feel like I do. And I have been grieving, and watching this makes me cry so much!"

A user, @monstermama61, wrote, "Poor Cici. I hope she truly understands that he’s gone. God graced you with Cici to help you through these difficult times. I’m sure you know how much we all miss Chooch. You’re in our thoughts and prayers!" Similarly, @paigeemcallister revealed, "I had two dogs (both gone now) that were best friends. When the older one died, the younger one was able to smell her body. When I say the younger one cried, I mean he CRIED. Dogs really do understand, and they have emotions too!" Another user who goes by @mrs.skinsey shared, "Our Dane looked for his sister for months after she passed. He would search for her on walks and in the house. He seemed like he thought we were hiding her from him. It took a long time for him to stop. It’s so hard because they don’t understand."

You can follow Eddie N Chooch (@eddienchooch215) on Instagram for more dog-related content.

If you’re grieving the loss of a companion animal, please reach out to Cornell Pet Loss Support Hotline at 1‑607‑218‑7457.