Dog and Girl Share Special Bond Two Years and 200 Lbs Later: 'Pure Love'

The heartwarming bond between a Pennsylvania girl and her 200-pound English mastiff has melted the hearts of viewers online.

On December 11, Heather Haggard posted a video on TikTok under the handle @raynethemastiff that showed her daughter cuddling the canine as they lay on the couch.

"On Christmas of 2022, we surprised our two girls with her, but especially our oldest daughter, who was born on Christmas Day," Haggard told Newsweek. "She wanted nothing more than a puppy for Christmas after we tragically lost our 4-year-old black Labrador a year and a half prior. They have been inseparable ever since, and Rayne has been the best addition to our family."

A screenshot of the TikTok video showing Heather Haggard's daughter cuddling their English mastiff, Rayne, and a photo of Rayne sitting outdoors. Haggard spoke with Newsweek about the transformative role the dog has played in... @raynethemastiff

Text overlaid on the video said, "POV: 2 years ago you surprised your oldest daughter with the only thing she wanted for her Birthday and Christmas, which happen to fall on the same day, and this is them today."

The clip has resonated with many viewers, amassing more than 900,000 views, 139,000 likes and hundreds of comments.

"I always comment something along the lines 'an animal should never be a gift' but these two look like they belong," one viewer said.

Another added, "Every kid needs a dog, every dog needs a kid."

"I think the doggo got exactly what they wanted for Christmas too," a user commented.

Rayne has proved herself to be a gentle giant despite her heavy weight. Haggard described her as one of the most calm and affectionate dogs she has ever known.

"She never jumps up on anyone and is very cautious about where she puts her giant paws, but she loves to snuggle with her favorite human," Haggard said.

However, Rayne's calm demeanor does not negate her natural protective instincts. Haggard said that when the family's fire alarm began chirping because of a low battery, the mastiff had an alert response.

"Her bark definitely 'saved us,'" she said. "My oldest screamed the other day because she got scared, and I have never seen the dog get up so fast to run directly to her to ensure she was OK."

The family takes Rayne on various outings, including boat rides and camping trips, and they even take her to visit stores such as HomeGoods and Lowe's, where the massive dog often draws admiration.

"She is always up for a car ride or any adventure and gets fawned over wherever we go," Haggard said.

The video not only celebrates the bond between Haggard's eldest child and her dog but also underscores the powerful role pets can play in healing after loss. The family brought Rayne home after losing their Labrador, and her presence has been a source of joy and comfort over the past two years.

"I try to soak up the same doggy love, but most of the time, she will get up and move," Haggard said. "Although she is so chill, she is still very protective of her people."

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.