Little Boy Gets The Best Surprise After Beloved Dog Passes Away

[catbyte]

"They were for sure tears of joy!”

BY LILY FEINN

Two weeks ago, Chris and Katie Downs told their 6-year-old son Leo that they had to stop by a building to donate some supplies.

Little did the young boy know that the seemingly routine errand would turn out to be one of the most memorable moments of his life.

This wasn’t just any building — it was Stray Rescue of St. Louis.



Just a few months before, the Downs family suffered a devastating loss. Their beloved dog, Mellow, passed away at the age of 13.

snip



Once Mellow passed, the heartbroken Downs agreed to a “No more dogs for a while” policy.

Leo, however, was not happy about the new plan. “He kept saying, ‘Mom, I want another dog!’” Downs said. “And then, like every other child, he went to Dad begging for the same thing.”

Slowly, Downs began to warm to the idea. She began looking at Stray Rescue of St. Louis’ Facebook page, then the shelter’s website. There she saw a dog that made her heart stop: A pit bull mix named Nutty-Buddy who was just over 9 weeks old.

“His resemblance to Mellow was astonishing so much [that] I immediately showed my husband,” Downs said. “He quickly said, ‘Put in an adoption application for him! I have to meet him!’”



Once their application was approved, they decided the adoption should be a surprise for Leo.

At the shelter, Leo trailed behind his parents as they walked up to the front desk. When one of the volunteers came out holding a puppy, Leo couldn’t believe what was happening.

snip



It hasn’t taken long for the puppy to settle into life at the Downses’ home. Leo and Nutty-Buddy love doing everything together — from playing outside to snuggling on the couch.

snip



https://www.thedodo.com/close-to-home/kid-loses-it-during-puppy-surprise
--------------------------------------------------------------

Fair warning--keep a tissue handy when watching the video of the moment Leo realizes that Nutty Buddy will be his new best friend.

[montanacowboy]

1. OMG

That's the BEST evah!!!

[FM123]

2. Best surprise!

[pamdb]

3. dogs

Rescue dogs are the best dogs. All our dogs have been rescue dogs, a stray
pit mix at 5 months, (smartest dog I've ever had and I grew up with dogs)
a dog who'd been hit by a car and had to have a leg taken off at 7months after we adopted him, and a lap mix who spent q months in the kennel. Rescue
dogs are the best!!!!!!!!

[Duppers]

4. "keep a tissue handy when watching the video"

For sure! Tears rolling here.

There are some good folks in the world.

[ailsagirl]

10. Impossible to watch dry-eyed!!

[Scarsdale]

5. Every kid needs a dog (or a cat)

Pets are really special in a child's life. These two look to be perfect for each other. Chubby little puppy, and happy little boy. Thanks for posting.

[ailsagirl]

9. And not just for kids!! I've always had pets in my life-- ever since I was a kid

I literally cannot imagine life without my precious critters

[Scarsdale]

12. Yes, of course.

I have had pets most of my life. Now I do not. I am too old to adopt a new little dog or cat. So, the house seems so empty. I wish I could adopt one, though.

[ailsagirl]

13. There's no way you can? Low-maintenance pets?

I hate the lonely feeling of an empty house

[Scarsdale]

14. I am 83 years old.

It would not be fair to adopt, then get sick and leave. I have had some terrific dogs and cats throughout my life, and my children's lives. We are a family of animal lovers. The last pet I had was Cleo, a black cat. Had to have her put to sleep last Dec. I inherited her from my son, when he passed away. Special little girl. I still miss her.

[TexasBushwhacker]

15. Maybe you could foster

That way you could have animals in your life without committing to just one.

[ailsagirl]

16. That's the truly difficult part-- saying goodbye

[smirkymonkey]

6. So sweet!

[SammyWinstonJack]

7. My goodness. Love this so much.

[Karadeniz]

8. Puppy went to a good home!!! Good all the way around!

[Still In Wisconsin]

11. Geez... kids and animals...

is there anything better?

[red dog 1]

17. Kick

For warming our hearts.

Thanks, catbyte.