Golden Retriever Forced To Say Goodbye to Her Best Friend and She's Not Taking It Well
Have you ever wondered whether dogs are capable of forming friendships as deep as the ones humans share? I can tell you with certainty that the answer is absolutely yes. They may not express their sadness with words, but their behavior often makes their feelings crystal clear.
Mango is having a hard time with the loss of her best friend. Thankfully, Oscar is healthy and well, but he and his human recently moved overseas, leaving Mango heartbroken.
@mangothegoldenrescue OSCAR DONT GO #breakup#heartbreak#goldenretriever#bostonterrier#truelove
I Love You, I'm Sorry - Gracie Abrams
The Golden Retriever and her BFF Oscar were regular walking buddies in New York City, and as we all know, some friendships just come naturally. For Mango, Oscar was clearly one of those once-in-a-lifetime companions.
Unfortunately, these two best friends are headed in different directions, and Mango was clearly not OK with having to say goodbye to her Frenchie pal, Oscar. As he and his mom walked back into their apartment building, Mango dramatically collapsed on the sidewalk in a stubborn protest of his departure.
Related: Golden Retriever's Depression Over Leaving Grandma's Is So Pitifully Adorable
The TikTok video shared by @mangothegoldenrescue becomes even more emotional when you realize these two may never see each other again. While Mango's reluctance to leave Oscar was likely her way of saying she didn't want the fun to end, it's hard not to wonder whether she understood this goodbye was for good.
One TikToker, @LaurenBestiePetSitterNYC, summed up everyone's feelings perfectly by commenting, "I'm so clinically unwell over this." And honestly? Same.
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Can Dogs Suffer From Depression?
Not only do dogs express joy, but they can also show signs of sadness. According to PetMD, "Dog depression can develop for a variety of reasons, including medical issues, environmental factors, or behavioral concerns."
Signs that your pup may be experiencing depression include:
- Decreased interest in activities
- Sad, droopy eyes
- Ears pulled back
- Hiding or withdrawing
This list isn't exhaustive, and PetMD recommends consulting your veterinarian if you notice any long-lasting changes in your dog's behavior. Your vet can help determine whether underlying medical or environmental factors are contributing to the issue.
Of course, Mango's reaction was most likely due to the disappointment of watching her best friend walk away rather than true depression. Still, her emotional response is a sweet reminder that dogs form meaningful relationships and can feel the sadness of saying goodbye.
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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 7:30 PM.