When photographer Nayana saw a pet parent post an invitation on Facebook for people to celebrate her dog’s last day, she knew she couldn’t pass it up.
The Facebook post invited people in the Philadelphia area to visit Lou, a 14-year-old dog, during her final day. The owner wanted Lou to get as much love as possible for a proper send-off. What she wasn’t prepared for was how the community responded.
Nayana, known on TikTok as @ngpawpics, shared a glimpse of Lou’s final day celebration, which she attended, in Monday’s video. Dozens of strangers came out to support Lou and the owner. And they didn’t show up empty-handed. Lou received an endless amount of treats and pets.
Lou lounged in her doggy bed with a blanket wrapped around her. The strangers, who now became friends, celebrated her joyous life in the cold weather. They gave Lou all the love on her final day.
“I was a stranger that met Lou for the first time but it was clear to see what a good girl she was,” Nayana told Newsweek via TikTok. “I loved that the community showed up for her.”
As a volunteer with the Tilly Project, an end-of-life pet photography network, Nayana wanted to do more for Lou. She came prepared with her camera and offered her services.
“I stopped by with some treats for Lou and came with my camera and told [the owner] that I was a photographer and would take some pictures if she was ok with that,” she said. “Then sent her a gallery afterwards!”
@ngpawpics/TikTok
The end of Nayana’s TikTok video highlights a few photos she took during Lou’s end-of-life celebration. All the photos revealed the same thing: Lou loved the attention and her infectious smile made everyone else’s day.
Nayana said she wanted to capture this moment for Lou’s owner as a special keepsake she’ll have forever. Plus, having professional photos done can help owners grieve after their pet passes.
“I find that people often aren’t thinking about pictures because they’re so worried about their pet but I haven’t met anyone that regrets having them done,” Nayana said.
As a volunteer with the Tilly Project, Nayana offers free sessions but encourages her clients to donate to the City of Elderly Love, a local senior pet rescue. Last year, thanks to her sessions, she raised over $1,000 for the rescue center.
Viewer Reactions
The TikTok video reached over 860,000 views and 139,400 likes within one day.
“Humanity at its best,” said a viewer, while a second commented: “This is so sweet. She looked so happy.”
Another added: “And on this day she spent eternity smiling with all her new friends.”
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.
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