This owner forgot all the special days and holidays after her dog’s dementia diagnosis — and the reason will move you to tears

Many dog owners are unaware of the possibility of their beloved pets developing a mental illness such as dementia. When a dog named Teddy was diagnosed with the illness, his owner found herself in a similar situation. She was confused and struck by the harsh reality of his poor condition. In an emotional clip shared on his Instagram page @herecomesyodapup, the owner opened up about her life when she had forgotten all the special days and holidays following her dog’s dementia diagnosis. 

“This is what living with a dog with dementia looks like,” hinted the overlay note on the post with 14,213 likes. It spoke about the compromises the pet owner had to make during this difficult time. The first bit showed her ailing dog stuck in a corner, appearing confused and moving in circles, which are common symptoms of dementia. The poor dog’s declining state was a heartbreaking sight for both pet owners and dog lovers. “I didn’t know dogs could get dementia… until it happened to Teddy,” the owner admitted in the caption. She also included fleeting clips of Teddy staring at nothing, seeming disoriented outside, and sleeping more than usual. 

“Forgotten he’s eaten and always wants more,” she wrote on a snippet of the furry pal burrowing into his food bowl. The owner, who was not named, candidly shared that she might have forgotten birthdays, Easter, Valentine’s, or even sending presents to her dear ones, as she had been occupied with Teddy. “My world has been wrapped around Teddy,” she wrote in the caption. The dog owner had left no stone unturned to provide all the care and love for her dying pet, who passed away on 17 August 2025. From guiding him outdoors when he forgot his doggy door to cleaning up his mess every morning, feeding him, and loving him through all the confusion he battled. 

The owner penned a heartwarming message that moved the internet to tears. “Because when someone you love needs you, nothing else comes first,” she wrote. After her dog’s passing, the creator realized the difficult time was a “journey” of patience, love, and heartbreak. While dementia turned their lives upside down, one thing the illness could not help but spare was the beautiful bond she and Teddy shared. Fellow pet owners and viewers touched by the story conveyed their earnest thoughts in the comments. “I am heartbroken, in tears, reading this. Such a beautiful boy. Thank you for so fiercely loving Teddy and guiding him through,” said @sgtaylr and @carlost99 recounted, “I have seen this and cared for my dog until he died at home on his terms and not at the vet.”

A research study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, also known as doggy dementia, is more common than believed. Every year past the age of 10, the risks of developing cognitive difficulties increase by 52% irrespective of breed. It may vary depending on the size of the dog, though.  

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