Skip to main content

Little Boy Says Emotional ‘Goodbye’ To 17-Year-Old Dog At The Vet

The death of a pet is something unavoidable in life, and often a part of many children’s early experiences. It is one of life’s greatest, saddest lessons. But it helps if parents are there to communicate to the child what is going on and why, and to help them deal with these tragic events.

In this video from 2014, a little boy is with his father at the vet and are preparing to say goodbye to BaoBao, their loyal and faithful dog. The father gently explains to his son why they have to say goodbye to her, but of course it is upsetting and emotional for the little boy.


BaoBao was unfortunately involved in an accident, sustaining a crippling injury. She travelled everywhere with her dad by scooter and had travelled over 200,000 km with him in her lifetime. But on their last tour she fell off unexpectedly while they were going slowly through an intersection and she was hit by a car, resulting in a smashed pelvis.

He wrote of her last tour with him on his scooter that, “That was her life….it was what she lived for. She died doing what she loved. And that’s the most that anyone can ask for.”

Given her age (almost 17 years old) and no guarantee that the surgery would help her walk again, BaoBao’s human came to the decision to not put her through the “pain of surgeries and physical therapy”. Her hearing, sight, bladder control were already diminished because of her age, and he believed over the next year or two “she would have aged/worsened a lot”.

“So I made the call to put her down while she was still ‘herself’ and not in too much pain,” he wrote.

When the son listens to his dad explain why they have to say “goodbye” and he tells his father he will miss her, it’s hard not to break down in tears alongside of him, for you know he will never be the same again, having loved and lost his dog.


Please share this touching story...

Popular posts from this blog

“I’m Not Leaving You, Mama!” This is What Love Looks Like.

UPDATE: Lizzie and Phantom are currently recovering in an outdoor koala ward within the  Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital . They’re doing swimmingly; Phantom is both gaining weight and exploring his temporary habitat. And of course, mama and baby are sharing more adorable cuddles! For most species in the animal kingdom, the bond between mother and baby is incredibly strong. That's pretty much inarguable. But last week, two koalas in Australia further proved it. After they were hit by a car, Lizzie and her joey, Phantom were welcomed into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Six-month-old Phantom had escaped the accident unscathed. Lizzie, however, wasn’t looking so good, what with facial trauma and a collapsed lung. In order to survive, she needed to go under the surgeon’s knife. But this marsupial mama wasn’t alone during the life-saving procedure. Phantom accompanied her and clung to her as she received treatment. The vets let them be; Phantom was too y...

Protect Our Waters: Say No To Plastic Waste!

Plastic garbage. It’s something we all see everyday. Don’t be fooled to think that these plastics are merely an eyesore.  We’ve become so accustomed to using plastic utensils, straws, water bottles and bags that it’s easy to forget the impact this has on our environment and climate. My name is Tyler and I’m in my fourth year of university in Canada, where I’m earning a degree in Environmental Studies. I'm also an environmental activist.  Even for someone like me, it’s hard to avoid using plastic at places like fast food restaurant, and that needs to change.   I’ve started this movement to highlight calls to action happening around the world, and to grow a community of everyday citizens pressing governments and companies to get serious about cleaning up our rivers, lakes and oceans . When we work together, and keep the pressure on, we really can make an impact. I know this firsthand, after collaborating with activists across Canada to successfully urge th...

Speak out against the cruel dog meat trade

Much of the world sees dogs as their trusted companions, but in parts of Asia they suffer terribly as victims of the trade in dog meat for human consumption. In some Asian countries, dogs used for this industry are mostly stolen pets and they are sometimes tortured before being slaughtered. The dog meat trade is not only cruel, but is also linked to the spread of rabies and other diseases. HSI is working with local organizations in South Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India to sensitize the public about the harmful dog meat trade that thrives in these countries. We actively shut down farms in South Korea, assist farmers as they transition to more humane livelihoods, support our local Chinese partners in intercepting dog meat traders’ trucks, fund the care of confiscated and rescued animals and lobby for better laws throughout Asia. Take the pledge to fight the cruel dog meat trade >>> SIGN PETITION HERE <<<