Owner thought he was filming a tender moment with his senior dog — but he had no idea it was her final goodbye

Sometimes, it’s only in hindsight that we truly understand the meaning behind a moment. One TikTok user posted a quiet, emotional video that took on a much deeper meaning after the loss of his beloved pet. According to reports, TikTok user (@casablanco05) shared a video of his elderly Yorkshire Terrier, Mija, just a day before she passed, revealing what he now believes was her way of saying goodbye.

Mija, a small but strong presence in her Florida home, lived with her 33-year-old owner and his much larger dogs, a Husky and a pair of Swiss Shepherds. She wasn’t just part of the pack; she "raised all of my dogs,” her owner told Newsweek. “My Husky with blue eyes protected my Yorkie from any rough horseplay. My male Shepherd grew up with her and bonded with her very strongly.” Over the years, Mija’s routines became part of the household rhythm. The other dogs, much bigger in size, always waited for her to go outside first. It was naturally understood that Mija went first.

The video, posted on August 30, 2025, shows moments from what would unknowingly be Mija’s final day. In the viral footage, she gently licks the Husky’s snout as he lowers his head in return. Then she quietly sits beside one of the Shepherds on the floor, sharing a calm moment together. Later, she snuggles in close to another Shepherd, almost as if she were saying one last goodbye to each of them. The clip ends with Mija walking beside her owner, watching the other dogs play. She looks up at him with soft eyes, a final, loving glance.

“She was a senior, and I feel like she knew her time was coming,” her owner shared. “She was my dad’s cancer buddy, never left his side. I loved her very much, and I’m hoping she’s back with my dad.” Mija passed away naturally, but her memory lives on. Her owner continues to post old clips of her and the remaining dogs, who still pause before heading outside, still waiting for Mija to go first. He also plans to release a merchandise line in her honor, "to help spread awareness to respect and take care of your seniors."

The heartwarming video instantly struck a chord with internet users, with many leaving warm messages in the comment section. @hayleybear66 wrote, "The way she looked up at you in the end, then them in the yard like she was taking it all in. They could tell their alpha momma was on her way to the rainbow bridge, and you can see them cherishing the small quiet moments." @katchuasporthorse shared her personal experience along with a photo, "Dogs just know. This was my young dog saying goodbye to his older brother two days before his passing." @raynesaltair reflected on Mija’s care for her pack, "She is making sure her pack is going to be ok. Last-minute instructions. Oh Mija, you are such a special lady. Fly free, little one."

For more endearing dog content, follow @casablanco05 on TikTok.