A loyal, loving dog spent four years with an equally loving owner, but sadly their time together came to an end when the owner passed away. But the beautiful dog, named Belinha, didn't let death stop her from showing her love for her beloved owner.
After a long battle with cancer, Maria, from Brazil, passed away earlier this month. Throughout Maria's fight, Belinha stayed resolutely by her side, offering what support she could. With her dog by her side, Maria was never alone as she went through her treatments and, eventually, death.
"My mother said she [Belinha] was her nurse," said Maria's son, Dionísio Neto. "Belinha proved to be the most faithful companion."
Belinha proved how much Maria meant to her. Because of the dog's important role in Maria's life, the family thought it only right to let the dog attend Maria's wake. Belinha sat in mourning with the rest of the family during this time.
When she was brought up to Maria's coffin, Belinha placed herself loyally next to it, refusing to leave her owner's side. Neto captured this moving moment in a beautiful picture, stating that "Animals are pure love."
Belinha was very depressed after Maria's death. Neto and some other family members brought the dog to Maria's graveside in hopes that the visit might bring the dog some comfort. Even though she did not know where Maria was buried, Belinha immediately ran over to and found Maria's resting place.
Moved by the unbreakable bond between his mother and her dog, Neto said, "Even in death, my mother is teaching that love is not just for humans. My mother and Belinha show that the love of animals is something greater than many people imagine."​
Neto has taken Belinha into his own home, and with time, hopefully, her heartache will ease. Share this loyal dog's beautiful bond with her owner with your friends and family on Facebook.