Why neighbors decided to share Labrador Melts Hearts: “the best boy”

When a family with a black Labrador named Jake moved into their new home, they had no idea of ​​the unexpected bond they would share with their neighbor.

TikToker April Dunn, or @aprilnicoled, explained how her dog, Jake, now spends his days splitting his time between his family and their neighbors, filling a void left in their lives.

In the viral TikTok video, Dunn revealed that his neighbors’ beloved black lab, also coincidentally named Jake, died suddenly just three weeks before the Dunns moved into the neighborhood. Jake quickly bonded with the grieving neighbors and has now 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 best boy.” With over 520,000 views, the sweet situation melted hearts.

Anyone who has lost a pet will tell you the emotional impact of the loss, and many compare it to losing a loved one.

A study by Quackenbush and Glickman in 1984 found that pet owners feel the greatest distress when they have to euthanize their pet. The decision can cause a feeling of guilt, even if it aims to end the animal’s suffering.

For many people, the way society reacts to the loss of their pet makes them feel more alone. A paper by Messam and Hart, published in 2019, found that many people who have lost a pet may face dismissive comments or a lack of support in the workplace, such as bereavement leave.

In the video, Dunn shared footage of Jake the dog running from their house to the neighbor’s house, heading 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,” a commenter called Tia wrote.

Another viewer, Nichole Wallace, said: “You will never understand how much this means to them. There will be no words or actions to prove how pure of heart you have.”

“Not that sweet baby who has two sets of loving parents,” another user said. While one viewer joked: “I love it. I need someone to share a lab with!”

News week contacted @aprilnicoled via TiKTok for comment.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or photos of your pet that you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our “Pet of the Week” lineup.