For some people, their pets are their first babies. The impact on their owners' hearts is immeasurable. We've all seen the bumper stickers that read, "who rescued who?" And for so many people, that question is legit.
One family on TikTok has taken pet ownership and family integration one step further. And we can't lie — the first time we saw the TikTok clip of how they prepared their pup to become a big brother, there were tears.
Lucy is more than just a dog.
Let's start from the beginning. And you better grab your tissues now, because if you're anything like us, you're in for it. Josh and Kelly Rose, known as @uhohtwins on TikTok, have adored their chocolate lab, Lucy, for seven years. Josh calls Lucy his "best friend," and we can see why.
This dog is one of the most incredible animals we have ever seen. Lucy is not just a dog. She is honestly and truly a member of their family, and her love and devotion to the Roses is beyond anything we have ever seen.
Lucy is a miracle pup.
Josh tells us Lucy's story in a clip with nearly 170,000 views. She was born on a frigid Valentine's Day night seven years ago. Her mom gave birth to her litter outside on a negative 38 degrees Celsius day. Sadly, Lucy was the only pup to survive. Six months later, Josh lost his job and had to break the news to his wife. She told him she had "gained her job that day."
"In a whirlwind of emotions, Lucy came into our life that day. And I knew right then she needed me and I needed her." If that's not enough to incite some tears, Josh continues …
"Although I tell her every day, I don't think that she'll ever understand just how much she means to me," he says. "And how much she means to the foundation of our family. I love you."
Unbeknownst to her, Lucy was about to become a big sister to twin girls.
Josh wanted to be sure that Lucy was ready for her duties as big sister and that she felt included when the babies arrived. He got right to work training her. One video reads, "Preparing Lucy for blowouts." Josh tells Lucy, "We have a blowout. Go get a diaper! Go get a diaper!"
Lucy leaves the room, returns, and proudly presents Josh with a diaper. He tells her that she is a good girl, pets her, and that's it. No treats, no bribes, nothing. This dog is just an incredible being.
Lucy is a better big sister than a lot of kids are.
If you've had a couple of kids, you know that older siblings aren't always so helpful. The newness and excitement wear off in a day or two, and they get back to their regular routines and ignore the new bundle of joy. Not Lucy. She dotes on the babies at all times.
Josh's clip showing Lucy helping out has racked up 1.8 million views. The video plays the song "Best Friend" by ANDREAH, and again, we see why. Josh tells Lucy that daddy needs help and to "Get a puffer." She looks in several places before finding what she needs and returns with his inhaler.
If there were a real emergency, she would be able to help.
Other clips show Lucy grabbing blankets and bottles of milk. She also helps to clean up the toys after a long day. We could all use a few extra paws to help out, couldn't we?
TikTokers love Lucy.
Josh's viral video has thousands of comments from followers who are dog lovers just like him. Everyone needs a little Lucy in their lives.
"We don't deserve dogs they love with everything," someone wrote.
People were amazed at just how brilliant Lucy is.
"Aww, that little pause in the kitchen as she was working out where else it might be. If more people could have hearts like dogs… ❤️," someone else commented.
And there were lots of people out there just like us.
"I am not crying ..you are..how beautiful..Lucy just the best big sister ❤️" another comment reads.
"So sweet make me cry I had a chocolate lab grown up he was the best dog growing up I just love all labs," another person wrote.
Josh, you and Lucy were meant to be together. Your girls are lucky to have such a great big sister. Thank you for sharing your special bond with all of us. You owe us a box of tissues and some eye drops.
