SNUGGLE.UPWORTHY.COM / WHOLESOME

Neighbor posted video of a little boy secretly hugging her dog daily after losing his own — then came a surprise that changed his life

The boy had been longing for a new pet, but the family wasn't ready to take on the responsibility of another dog just yet.

BY PAHUL NANRA

PUBLISHED 3 HOURS AGO

(L) A sad little boy sitting on the stairs. (R) A young boy hugging his pet dog. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Brian A Jackson, (R) wundervisuals)

Josh Breaux, a then 9-year-old boy from Pierre Part, Louisiana, had become a viral sensation after a neighbor’s surveillance video captured him sneaking into her garage to hug her pet dog, Dutchess. The tender footage quickly sparked an outpouring of support for the young boy, many of whom wished he could have a dog of his own to love. Little did anyone know, this story would soon take a turn toward an unexpected and joyous moment.

Very sad little boy hugging her mom. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Juanmonino) — Very sad little boy hugging his mom. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Juanmonino)

As reported by ABC News, in 2016, Josh had been grieving the loss of his own dog, Bella, who had passed away the year before. His mother, Ginger Breaux, shared on Facebook that while Josh had been longing for a new pet, the family wasn't ready to take on the responsibility of another dog just yet. “We had our dog Bella since Josh was 2, but she passed away last year,” Ginger explained. “Things have been busy, and Josh is active with after-school activities, so we have not jumped back into taking on the responsibility of starting all over again with a new pup quite yet.” But despite the family’s initial hesitation, something was about to change.

A young boy hugging a dog (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Adriana Varela Photography) — A young boy hugging a dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Adriana Varela Photography)

The turning point came when, due to the growing attention on their story, Josh’s wish for a dog started to come true. A family nearby had a nearly 3-month-old black Lab puppy named Drake, who needed a new home. The family’s son had left for college and couldn’t care for the pup anymore. After receiving numerous offers and being gently encouraged by the community, Ginger and her family decided it was time. “We just happened to find out about Drake at the right time,” Ginger said. “So glad that we could share our positive story!” The family welcomed the black pup into their home, making Josh’s dreams come true.

A young boy of elementary age is playing with his dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | FatCamera)

Despite the arrival of his new dog, Josh still regularly visited Dutchess, the neighbor’s dog. “Josh still goes to see Dutchess on occasion,” Ginger shared on Facebook, noting that the entire family continues to show love to Dutchess. “Myself and my daughter also stop to visit her a few days a week when we go for a [sic] walk. My daughter loves playing and giving her hugs.” This bond between the two dogs was something special, and the love Josh showed Dutchess only strengthened the connection he would later form with Drake. “I never had an intention of no dog, I just wanted to wait until the time was right for us,” Ginger added.

The wholesome story received overwhelming support from the community, with many internet users leaving kind messages in the comment section of the Facebook post. Amy Alford Taylor shared, "All the best to you and your family. I loved this story! My dog is one of the best things that has ever happened in my life. He gives me unconditional love." While Dottie Self wrote, "So very glad this little boy got his dog. This is a very happy ending for a sweet little boy, and how much he wanted a dog. Good going, Mom!"