Loyal dog refused to leave his sick owner’s side — just 15 minutes after his passing, the family faced another heartbreak

He had three dogs, but he and Nero were inseparable. Nero was always by his side.

PUBLISHED 3 HOURS AGO

(L ) A french bulldog looks sad ; (R) A funeral meet (Representative Cover Source: Getty Images | Photo by (L) Shirlaine Forrest ; (R) RubberBall Productions)

Humans often share a special bond with their dogs, and they don’t say dogs are a man’s best friend for nothing. This story about Stuart Hutchison, who lost his eight-year battle with brain cancer, and his beloved French Bulldog, Nero, who couldn't bear the burden of not having his owner by his side, proves that their humans mean the world to the furry companions.

A man carrying a dog in his arms (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Sviatlana Barchan) — A man carrying a dog in his arms. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Sviatlana Barchan)

Stuart Hutchison was diagnosed with brain cancer but in June 2019, he uncovered the heartbreaking truth about his cancer spreading to most of his brain and to his bones and pelvis. After giving his all, Hutchison breathed his last on August 11, 2019, at the age of 25. As his mother, Fiona Conaghan was his full-time caretaker, Hutchison moved into his mother's house to enjoy his final days, where he lived with his wife, Danielle, and his pets. On the day of Hutchison's death, Danielle’s father was asked to pick up glasses for her, so that she could stay longer by her husband’s side.

French bulldog feeling uncomfortable and looking worried. (Representative Image Source: Pexels| Photo by Pixabay) — French bulldog feeling uncomfortable and looking worried. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Pixabay)

At their home, Danielle’s father noticed that Nero appeared to be ill and decided to rush him to the emergency vet. Veterinarians discovered a rupture in Nero’s spine, and shockingly, Hutchison's French Bulldog died just 15 minutes after his owner passed away. Fiona Conaghan revealed to Mirror, "Stuart died about 1.15 p.m. that day, and Nero died roughly 15 minutes later." "He had three dogs, but him and Nero were like one man and his dog. Nero was the dog which was always with him," she added. In addition to Nero, Stuart and Danielle were pet parents to their other dog, Nala, and Amelia, who was the puppy of Nala and Nero. Although the passing of two beloved family members brought the utmost pain to the family, the bond between the loyal dog and his owner is a story unlike any other.

Family attending the funeral of a loved one. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Pavel Danilyuk)

Stuart and Nero's story reminds us of Bella and her best friend Ariana's heart touching story. Bella, a Morkie, formed a deep bond with Ariana from infancy. Unfortunately, after Ariana's passing in April 2024, Bella continued to wait every day at Ariana's bed for her return. To help Bella with her grief, Ariana's family added a new blanket to the bed, which allowed Bella to curl up there. She was unable to move past the loss, but her family also included her in the funeral to honor their beautiful connection.

A sad-looking English bulldog sitting in a dark room. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by snoopy78) — A sad-looking bulldog sitting in a dark room. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by snoopy78)

A study authored by Alexandra Anastasio for the American Kennel Club in 2023 explored the emotional lives of dogs, particularly focusing on their capacity to grieve the loss of a human owner. While dogs may not comprehend the full concept of human death, they can sense the absence of a loved one through changes in routine, environment, and the absence of familiar scents and sounds. Drawing parallels with Stuart and Nero's bond, the study also mentions that dogs' grief responses are influenced by the strength of their bond with the deceased owner and the duration of their relationship.