Woman Goes Into Shock After Witnessing Her Beloved Dog's Tragic Accident, Adopts Lookalike And Insists He Never Died
“It’s been almost two months and she refuses to admit the new dog isn’t Gage!”
A 28-year-old woman refused to accept her beloved Shih Tzu, Gage, was gone after a car accident, and her denial got so intense it pulled her boyfriend, OP, into a surreal new reality. The couple had adopted Gage about four years ago, and the two were inseparable, like their routine was built around that tiny dog.
Then the unthinkable happened: Gage got hit by a car and had to be euthanized. OP came home from work to find his girlfriend had bought an identical lookalike Shih Tzu and was straight-up pretending it was Gage, even as the timeline and details screamed otherwise.
Now it has been two months, and OP says she still has not snapped out of it, which is how this turned into a heartbreak you can’t just “move on” from.
The story in detail
Reddit.comThe couple adopted a Shih Tzu named Gage about 4 years ago. The dog and OP’s girlfriend were inseparable
Reddit.comThe Psychological Impact of Grief and Loss
Research on grief outlines the stages individuals often experience after a loss, including denial, anger, and acceptance.
In this case, the woman's refusal to acknowledge her dog's death and her attachment to the lookalike can be understood as a manifestation of unresolved grief.
Research published in the Journal of Loss and Trauma indicates that individuals may adopt coping mechanisms that help them navigate their grief, even if they are not fully aware of it.
Unfortunately, Gage got hit by a car and had to be euthanized
Reddit.com
OP came back from work to discover that his girlfriend had bought an identical Shih Tzu and was pretending it was Gage
Reddit.com
Right after OP discovers the new identical Shih Tzu, the whole “Gage is back” act starts sounding less like coping and more like a full-on replacement plan.
Studies show that pet loss can be as impactful as the loss of a human loved one, leading to profound emotional responses.
Understanding these dynamics is critical for supporting individuals during their grieving journeys.
It’s been two months and OP’s girlfriend has still not snapped out of it
Reddit.com
We gathered some reactions from the Reddit community:
Reddit.com
The tragedy itself is what makes it worse, since Gage was euthanized, not just lost, so the accident is tied to real finality.
This is similar to the roommate who refused to pay vet bills after their cat scratched the dog’s eye.
Coping Mechanisms in Grief
Adopting a new pet as a means of coping with loss is a common behavior, often rooted in the desire to fill an emotional void.
Establishing distinct identities for pets is crucial for healthy attachment and emotional processing.
This user recounted their own similar experience
Reddit.com
“She needs some therapy. She’s experienced a traumatic event. She is having a psychotic episode.”
Reddit.com
Two months later, OP is still watching his girlfriend insist the dog never died, even while everyone else can see the truth in plain sight.
To navigate this complex grief process, individuals may benefit from engaging with support groups focused on pet loss.
Sharing experiences with others who understand the depth of this loss can be healing.
Additionally, therapy can help individuals process their grief in healthier ways, allowing for the acceptance of loss and the celebration of memories.
“You are not the problem here, but her behavior certainly is.”
Reddit.com
“I’m very sorry this traumatic event happened to you both. Your girlfriend needs help.”
Reddit.com
Even the Reddit comments spiral into specifics about how pet loss hits hard, because OP’s girlfriend is treating the lookalike like it’s the original all over again.
Redditors rallied for immediate action. They empathized with the gravity of OP’s girlfriend’s trauma but advised OP that denying her help would only make things worse.
Urgency is the name of the game—get help, involve trusted allies, and tread carefully to unlock healing and prevent emotional chaos.
Good luck OP, you’ll definitely need it.
We’d love to get your thoughts on this story. Join the conversation in the comments.
“Poor driver. When I was a kid, our family dog ran out and got you the same way.”
Reddit.com
“Yikes. She needs therapy ASAP. Like, borderline emergency session.”
Reddit.com
“I wonder if this is a learnt behavior from her past, like her parents or someone doing the same thing to her.”
Reddit.com
The narrative surrounding the tragic accident involving Gage highlights the complex and often nonlinear journey of grief that many individuals face. The emotional turmoil experienced by the woman after witnessing her beloved dog’s accident illustrates how profound loss can disrupt one’s life. This story underscores the importance of empathy and understanding from those surrounding the grieving individual, as everyone navigates their own unique process of coming to terms with such an unexpected tragedy.
In a remarkable turn, the woman's decision to adopt a lookalike dog signifies not only a desire to fill the void left by Gage but also a coping mechanism that many find necessary for emotional healing. This act of bringing a new companion into her life may serve as a vital step toward fostering healthy coping strategies, allowing her to honor her past while embracing the possibility of new joy.
OP is left wondering how you’re supposed to prove a death to someone who refuses to believe it.
Want the next roommate showdown? Read about the AITA fight over splitting pet medical bills.
