Tearjerking video shows dog waiting at the same spot every day for best friend who died a year ago

The powerful bond between a pet and its owner is something many people cherish deeply. For some pets, this connection is so profound that it endures beyond a lifetime, remaining strong even after their loved one has passed. Such is the case for Bella, a dog whose unwavering loyalty to her best friend, Ariana, has captivated many on social media. In a heart-wrenching video shared by @arianaryefoundation on Instagram, Bella’s owners revealed the story of their dog’s ongoing grief after Ariana, diagnosed with cerebral palsy and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, passed away in April 2024. The video showcases how Bella, over a year later, still waits for Ariana to return home. 

From the time Ariana was a baby, Bella had been her constant companion. The dog would stay near Ariana’s bassinet, offering protection and comfort as if intuitively understanding the need to look after the child. As Ariana grew, Bella remained close, often curling up with her or sitting on her lap. The parents of Ariana, who founded the Ariana Rye Foundation, shared glimpses of this deep bond in the Instagram post, highlighting the devotion between the two. When Ariana passed away, the loss was devastating for the entire family, and especially for Bella. The video described that they "soulmated so hard that, Bella spends all hours of the day on Ariana's bed waiting for her to come home."

"She lies in her bed all day, every day," the family told Newsweek. To offer her some comfort, they added a new blanket to Ariana’s bed, as Bella would often curl up on it, unable to move past the loss. The family also revealed that Bella had been with them when Ariana passed, and they brought her to the viewing, allowing the dog to say goodbye in her own way. "She wasn’t just Ariana’s dog—she was her best friend, her soulmate. She deserved that closure just as much as we did," the family wrote. 

As Bella continues to mourn, her owners try to offer comfort, telling her that Ariana will be waiting for her in heaven. "And finally, give her all the pets that she’s always wanted from Ariana," they shared, reassuring Bella that their beloved dog will soon be reunited with her best friend. Knowing that Bella is now a senior dog, the family has also asked Bella to deliver a message to Ariana when they meet again, holding onto the comforting belief that "all dogs go to heaven."

The video, shared with millions on Instagram, has touched the hearts of countless viewers, sparking waves of condolences and empathy. @ms.getem_ wrote, "Her glow is even gone. She had a golden glow. It’s okay, though—she’ll see her sunshine soon." @squeakywheelchair said, "Oh, your dog is so cute. I have a little soul dog, too, who rides in my chair. All dogs go to heaven, and she will be running to meet your little girl." @luv_r.3ni said, "I’m trying so hard not to bawl my eyes out. My eyes are leaking. I didn’t realize she was gone until I read the comments. RIP, sweet little angel. The dog just waiting for her is so precious." @andrea_tomchuk shared, "This. My 9-year-old daughter passed in April 2024 from brain cancer at home. Our little pup still lies on her bed, and I wondered the same thing."

You can follow Ariana Rye Foundation (@arianaryefoundation) for more content on Ariana and other kids with disabilities.