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!”
When our narrator (Original Poster) and his girlfriend adopted Gage, a spirited little shih tzu, they never imagined the twist their lives would take. For four years, Gage was less of a pet and more of a third wheel in their love story.
Even more remarkable was the bond between Gage and OP’s girlfriend—they were like soulmates who could read each other’s minds. But as far as twists go, theirs was heartbreaking.
Six weeks ago, Gage slipped out the front door and got hit by a car—the scene was nothing short of catastrophic. While OP collapsed into tears, his girlfriend scooped Gage up with a haunting calm as they accompanied him to his final moments at the vet's office.
For a full twenty-four hours, she didn’t say a word. The silence was broken by nighttime sobs that stopped as quickly as they began—a hint of the storm brewing within her.
The plot took a surreal turn when OP came home days later to find a dog, eerily similar to Gage. His girlfriend beamed for the first time since the accident and announced she was taking "Gage" for a walk.
She brushed off OP’s confused inquiries and firmly maintained that this dog was indeed Gage. Any mention of the accident was also dismissed as a distasteful joke.
It had been two months, and OP didn’t know how long he could keep up this charade. Should he keep playing along with what appeared to be her way of coping, or was it time to address the elephant—or should we say, the shih tzu—in the room?
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
Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross's work 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
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OP came back from work to discover that his girlfriend had bought an identical Shih Tzu and was pretending it was Gage
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Studies show that pet loss can be as impactful as the loss of a human loved one, leading to profound emotional responses.
According to the American Psychological Association, individuals may exhibit delayed grief responses, which can complicate the healing process.
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
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We gathered some reactions from the Reddit community:
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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.
Research in psychological literature indicates that while this can provide comfort, it's essential to ensure that the new pet is seen as an individual, rather than a replacement.
Establishing distinct identities for pets is crucial for healthy attachment and emotional processing.
This user recounted their own similar experience
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“She needs some therapy. She’s experienced a traumatic event. She is having a psychotic episode.”
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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.”
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“I’m very sorry this traumatic event happened to you both. Your girlfriend needs help.”
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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.”
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“Yikes. She needs therapy ASAP. Like, borderline emergency session.”
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“I wonder if this is a learnt behavior from her past, like her parents or someone doing the same thing to her.”
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Psychological Analysis
This situation underscores the complexities of grief and the varied ways individuals cope with loss.
Recognizing and validating these responses can facilitate healing while promoting healthier attachments to new pets.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
The journey through grief is often nonlinear, with individuals experiencing a range of emotions as they come to terms with loss.
Providing support during this time requires empathy and understanding, recognizing that everyone's process is unique.
Ultimately, fostering healthy coping strategies is vital for emotional healing and growth.
