A woman shared a heartbreaking tribute to her 17-year-old dog’s life, reminiscing on all the joyous and tough times through which he accompanied her.
Kallie Legault (@hellokalliemarie), 37, was going through a bad breakup in 2008 and decided she needed a dog to help heal her. She discovered Lucas, a Pomeranian, on Craigslist. His owner could no longer keep him due to illness. From that day, her life was changed forever. A video commemorating their lifelong companionship garnered 70,200 views and 15,500 likes on TikTok.
“Lucas lived more life in 17 years than many of us humans will live in our lifetimes.
“I was so sad after losing Lucas and hoped I would find support from other dog parents by posting my video about Lucas and his life,” Legault, a recruiter from Seattle, told Newsweek.
“I had no idea it would reach so many people, but reading the comments from others and hearing about the incredible lives their pets had lived brought me joy during a very sad time.”
In the video, Legault looked back at different moments of her life alongside her best friend. Starting with 2008, when George W. Bush was in power, and she rocked the era-defining side bangs of the 2000s.
Living in a frat house for the summer, and as a self-confessed “completely irresponsible” college student, she knew a shelter would not allow her to adopt, so she found her pet on Craigslist.
She shared key moments through their 16 years together, including nine house moves and four job changes.
Looking back on their memories, she treasured their travels to Oregon and Canada, where Lucas reluctantly white-water rafted, camped and backpacked.
Lucas and Kallie Legault. The mom made a heart-wrenching tribute to her Pomeranian who was with her through all of her momentous milestones.
@hellokalliemarie/@hellokalliemarie
Lucas was by his human’s side during all the highs and lows of life.
“The impact Lucas had on me is hard to measure. He was with me through [some] of the biggest moments of my life: multiple job changes, moving homes, losing my dad, meeting my husband [Alex], my wedding day, the birth of our daughter.
“Lucas was at my side through more breakups that I can count. When my dad passed away in 2016, Lucas snuggled close to me every night as I grieved. In 2017, Lucas was staying with my mom when she had a massive stroke.
“The paramedics had a hard time reaching my mom because of how fiercely Lucas was protecting her. Through every stage of her recovery, Lucas was with us,” Legault said.
Legault shared how she cried into Lucas’s furry neck and he licked her tears when she dealt with the loss of her dad who had grown to love his fluffy grandson.
The Pomeranian donned a bow tie for Alex and Legault’s wedding and also gained a canine brother as well as his human sister.
Lucas and Kallie Legault. The duo were inseparable and Legault hopes her tribute will help Lucas’ memory live on.
@hellokalliemarie/@hellokalliemarie
“Lucas gave her an approving sniff, and never looked in her direction again,” his mom explained.
“He taught me about responsibility, especially in my early 20s, and taught me about patience and compassion when his health began to decline,” she added.
The pooch loved nothing more than turkey and the finer things in life, including rotisserie chicken, deli meats, eggs and cheese.
One time, his concerned pawrents thought their pooch had developed lumps, but after taking him to the vet, they confirmed they were in fact love handles.
“Lucas was spicy. He barked at everything: the mailman, a plastic bag on the street, the wind. He was very selective about who he allowed in his personal space, but if you were one of the lucky ones he did, he’d happily accept belly rubs and chin scratches.
“His breath was absolutely putrid, even after having some teeth removed, but it was part of his charm,” Legault said.
Legault noticed something was amiss with Lucas when he stopped eating and was barely drinking.
“A few hours before his appointment, my mom was outside while Lucas laid in the grass, in the sunshine. When they had come inside, just a few moments later, Lucas closed his eyes for the last time. Sharing his story with anyone who will listen is how we’re ensuring that his memory lives on,” she explained.
According to Humane Society, grieving the loss of a dog can be deeply painful, and it’s important to allow yourself the time to mourn.
Acknowledge your feelings and understand that your grief is natural and valid. The grieving process is often non-linear, with emotions like denial, anger, guilt, and deep sadness coming and going in waves.
Focusing on the life you shared with your pet, rather than their final moments, can help you move toward healing.
Users were overwhelmed with the touching tribute to Lucas and chimed in with their condolences.
“This was such a sweet eulogy! I recently got my childhood dogs tattooed on my arm jumping along together to remember them and every time I look I smile,” said Imo.
“So sorry for your loss. Unrelated, but first pic had me thinking you were Ashley Tisdale,” commented another user.
“How did you not bawl throughout recording this,” said Maeve Dollyn.
“I’m so sorry for the loss of your soul dog—he seemed like such a character and a light to so many in your family. I know your dad is taking care of him until you meet again one day,” said Elle.
“Thank you for healing me 16 years ago and every day since, I’ll miss you forever,” Legault finished her tribute poignantly.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@newsweek.com and they could appear on our site.
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