A little while back animal lovers across the internet were moved by a sweet photo that went viral. The picture was from Serbia and depicted a dog crying. Many thought it looked like the dog was grieving for his deceased master.
For the last four years, this sweet pup named Belinha had been inseparable from her best friend and owner, Telma Maria. Unfortunately, their time together was cut short lately — but Belinha’s love for her owner continues on.
Maria, who resided in Brazil, ᴅɪᴇᴅ earlier this month after a lengthy sick struggle. Throughout her difficult battle and worsening health, Belinha never left her side — and the dog’s consoling presence lifted Maria’s spirits.
“Belinha belonged to my mother for five years and I inherited Belinha on my mother’s dᴇath. My mother was 86 when she ᴘᴀssᴇᴅ and rarely left her home. Belinha was a constant companion. “
Given how important Belinha was in Maria’s life, it was only natural that she would be there at her fᴜɴᴇʀᴀl. Belinha sat somberly alongside other family members, as though realizing the gravity of the mournful meeting.
Belinha astonished everyone by remaining at Maria’s side throughout the rest of the service, exactly as she’d always done when Maria was alive. Neto wanted to photograph those sensitive moments, writing: “Animals are unconditional love.”
“Even in dᴇath, my mother teaches me that love is not limited to people. My mother and Belinha show that animal love is more powerful than many people believe.”
In time, Belinha’s heart will begin to heal, knowing that Maria is never far away. Belinha now has a lifelong home with Neto, so she won’t have to go through the grief process alone.
