Dog's Reaction to Owner in Hospital Is Proof Their 'Love Is Unconditional'

A video of a dog going to the hospital to visit her owner melted hearts online.

Tj Roach, known on as TikTok @shucksboyphilospher, shared in a November 22 video that his dad has been in the hospital for heart and kidney failure. He expects him to make a full recovery. While there, his dad's dog, Shorty, has been grieving his absence.

Studies have found dogs can experience increased stress when their owners are absent, according to Psychology Today. They might have heightened heart rates and become more vocal with frequent pacing. The longer a dog and its owner are separated, the more intense a dog's response can become.

Roach decided that seeing each other would heal Shorty's and his dad's hearts. It took a lot of convincing, but the hospital finally agreed to let the dog visit. The instant Shorty stepped inside, there were nonstop tail wags.

Shorty immediately came to her owner's side, sniffing him to ensure he was fine. She was brought up on the bed, where the two snuggled nonstop. Roach said in the clip that Shorty became "extremely happy" knowing that her human was all fine.

The caption reads: "Proof a dog's love is unconditional."

Screenshots from a November 22 TikTok video of a dog visiting her owner in the hospital. She was starting to grieve his absence, so the family brought her to see him. @shucksboyphilospher/TikTok

Roach told Newsweek via TikTok that Shorty has been back to visit his dad. He plans on bringing her again today.

Others experiencing the heartbreak of having a loved one in the hospital should check with that location's pet policy. An article from Vet Advises stated that some hospitals do allow dogs, but certain guidelines must be followed, such as being up-to-date on vaccinations and having well-behaved dogs.

A dog might be denied because it can spread germs, which could put other patients at risk. Its behavior could also be disruptive and cause noise complaints.

By Monday, the TikTok clip had reached over 427,100 views and 66,800 likes. Viewers were melted after seeing this dog and her owner finally reconnect, and they sent their well wishes for a speedy recovery.

"That's not just your dad's dog, that's your little sister and you know it. I'm happy they got to see each other! Hospitals should allow this more often!" commented one person.

Another viewer wrote: "Her love is better than medicine."

"They both really needed that visit!" one commenter said.

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.