The mother of a man who died aged just 22 has posted a Facebook post saying that the man's dog has begun sleeping on top of his grave as he grieves for his lost best friend.
James William Warner died in what was a suspected murder. A 25-year-old man, the son of a judge, has been arrested in connection with the death, though full circumstances remain unclear.
In the Facebook post, James's mother, Christy West Warner, shared a photograph which shows the border-collie dog named 'Ace' lying on the newly dug grave.
Christy spoke to local reports about the death, saying:
"It's like I had an out-of-body experience. I just collapsed. My whole world was broken into a million pieces. Every second I stayed with Will was a joy. He was just larger than life, he was just a good boy. He was so personable. We've been robbed of everything. Every last ounce of closure or peace that we could possibly get from saying goodbye, we didn't get to do. This dog is so special and Will was so proud of him."
His uncle, Todd, added:
"It's just a tragic ending to something that should've never happened."
James grew up on a farm that primarily provides poultry and was around working dogs his whole life, however, he had a special bond with Ace.
The family said it was as if Ace knew that James was gone and where he was now resting, and that ever since then, he has rarely moved from the grave, returning on a daily basis to the spot.
While it is unclear exactly how dogs comprehend death, some animal psychologists say they do seem to understand what is happening. Los Angeles-based certified animal behaviourist and dog trainer, Russell Hartstein, says:
"When an owner passes away before her pet, it can be a confusing, sad, and difficult period, even if arrangements have been made for the animal to be taken care of by someone else."
Dogs remaining beside graves is not an unknown phenomenon. Perhaps, the most famous case was of the 19th century Skye Terrier Greyfriars Bobby, who remained by his master's grave in Edinburgh, Scotland, for 14 years after his passing. A statue of the dog now sits at the spot in Edinburgh, commemorating his loyalty.
[Based on reporting by: Positive Outlooks]
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