When a family with a black Labrador called Jake moved into their new home, they had no idea about the unexpected connection they would share with their neighbor.
TikToker April Dunn, or @aprilnicoled, shared how her dog, Jake, now spends his days dividing his time between her family and their neighbors, healing a void left in their lives.
In the viral TikTok video, Dunn revealed that her neighbors’ beloved black lab, by coincidence also named Jake, died unexpectedly just three weeks before the Dunns moved into the neighborhood. Jake soon bonded with the grieving neighbors and now he has become a beloved companion to both families, splitting his time between the two homes.
“It’s truly amazing how strangers have become our family,” Dunn wrote in a post about their arrangement, adding that Jake is “the goodest boy.” With over 520,000 views, the sweet situation has melted hearts.
Anyone who has lost a pet will tell you the emotional impact the loss has, with many comparing it to losing a human loved one.
A study by Quackenbush and Glickman in 1984 found that pet owners experience the greatest distress when they have to euthanize their pet. The decision can lead to feelings of guilt, even when it is made to end the pet’s suffering.
For many people, the way society responds to pet grief causes them to feel more alone. A paper by Messam and Hart, published in 2019, found that many who have lost a pet may face dismissive comments or lack of workplace support like bereavement leave.
@aprilnicoled/TikTok
In the video, Dunn shared footage of Jake the dog running from their house to the neighbor, off to spend time with his new second family.
The emotional response from viewers was immediate, with many seeing the story as an example of how animals can heal. “Jake had to leave, but he sent his doppelganger Jake to help heal a broken heart,” one commenter called Tia wrote.
Another viewer, Nichole Wallace, said: “You won’t ever understand how much that means to them. There will be no words or actions to prove just how much. What a pure heart you have.”
“Not that sweet baby having two sets of loving parents,” said another user. While one viewer joked: “I love this. I need someone to share a lab with!”
Newsweek reached out to @aprilnicoled via TiKTok for comment.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our “Pet of the Week” lineup.
