Grieving Dog Stops Eating, What Toddler Does to Help Has Everyone in Tears

A heartbroken dog has received support in the most heartwarming way after a 2-year-old figured out exactly what he needed.

Grieving pup Oliver stopped eating after the death of his sister, showing signs of grief and depression. The dog's refusal to eat left his family concerned, but it was their toddler who stepped in with the answer, spoon-feeding Oliver, who began to eat.

Read more: Compare the Best Rewards Credit Cards for Pet Owners

The care from his mini-human seemed to help Oliver, who ate from the spoon in a June 15 video on TikTok that has been viewed more than 937,000 times.

Dogs, like humans, can experience profound emotional distress after the loss of a companion. As the little girl tenderly offered food to Oliver, who, despite his sadness, accepted the spoon-fed biscuits, her connection with animals was clear.

"It melted me when I saw her starting to try to feed him," owner @nursetc92 commented on the video. The simple yet profound act of kindness melted viewers' hearts online as people reacted to the moment.

"Aww his other sister is taking care of him. It'll be ok, buddy," posted GemsFromAGemini. Viewer Mel added, "She's loving him the way he needs right now. I'm so sorry for your loss. You guys seem like wonderful people."

Read more: Best Savings Accounts for Kids and Teens

A study published in 2022 by researchers at the University of Milan in Italy supports the notion that dogs can profoundly grieve the loss of a loved one. The study, which involved over 400 Italian adults who had lost a dog while another pup was still alive, found that 86 percent of owners observed significant behavioral changes in their surviving dogs. These changes included eating less, sleeping more, and being less interested in play. This research underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the emotional needs of grieving pets.

Other commenters shared their sympathy with the family and the grieving dog. "So incredibly sorry for your loss. Your baby is such a sweetie," commented viewer Erica, Luna, Poppy & Peach, while Jenny_Jen_26 wrote: "It always takes a village! Wish you guys the best through this."

This isn't the first time a grieving dog has broken hearts online. Earlier this year, internet users sympathized with cockapoo Bobby, who was struggling with the loss of his best friend, a hamster named Barry.

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.