The heartbreaking moment a rescue dog said goodbye to her owner before she passed away has left the internet in tears, but now she’s finally starting to feel secure again after being taken in by her owner’s daughter.
Coconut, the 6-year-old Pomeranian and Chihuahua mix, was adopted by Marilyn Kirschner just before the Covid pandemic. Marilyn’s daughter, Lindsay Kirschner, 42, told Newsweek that Coconut and her mom “became each other’s lifelines” throughout the pandemic and they became inseparable.
Sadly, Marilyn went into hospital in November 2025 where she spent two weeks fighting for her life. She was barely conscious throughout, but there was just one word she said: “Coconut.” It felt hugely important for Lindsay, of Studio City, California, that her mom and Coconut should get the chance to say goodbye, and she made sure they got one final cuddle.
“Once we knew she wasn’t going to make it, it became my mission to give Coconut the opportunity to say goodbye. Their bond was so strong, I didn’t want her to think that her mom just left one day and never came back,” Lindsay said.
She continued: “Sometimes I look at her and see sadness in her eyes, and I know she understands what happened. She was very anxious in the hospital at first; she was overstimulated by all the new smells and beeping machines. But as soon as she connected the dots, she relaxed and fell asleep on my mom’s stomach.”
After her mom passed away, Lindsay took Coconut in and the duo grieved the tragic loss together. Being responsible for her mom’s dog gives Lindsay a purpose, especially during the days when she feels particularly lost amid the grief.
It hasn’t been easy for Coconut to adjust, but Lindsay is giving her plenty of time and love to help her feel more secure. Coconut lost everything she ever knew in an instant, so it’s certainly going to take time to process.
Lindsay also has a 14-year-old deaf dog with medical concerns, and she wasn’t sure how the two dogs would interact. But over time, Coconut is finding a new rhythm and learning from her senior compatriot.
“Coconut didn’t eat for the first five days and was noticeably anxious, but she is learning our routine and thriving with structure. I try to remind myself that her entire world was turned upside down, so it will take time to rebuild her confidence and sense of safety,” Lindsay said.
“Coconut is the only living piece of my mom I have left. She has brought so much sunshine through the darkness, and she reminds me that my mom would want us to move forward and find joy. People think bringing her into my home is a gift I gave to my mom, but the truth is that Coconut is the greatest gift my mom has ever given me.”
As it turns out, the boost Coconut needed didn’t come from Lindsay or her dog, but rather, Lindsay’s boyfriend. They shared “an instant connection” according to Lindsay, and now her whole world brightens whenever he walks into the room.
Between Lindsay and her boyfriend, they’re committed to giving Coconut the best life possible and making her feel safe in her forever home.
“Her little personality shines more with each day,” Lindsay said. “She recently started playing with toys, and we’ve seen her do the zoomies a handful of times. She learned from my older dog how to get exactly what she wants, whether it’s extra cuddles or extra treats. Coconut is incredibly smart and affectionate, and she’s growing more independent as she starts to feel safer.”
Lindsay shared Coconut’s story on TikTok (@lindsayland44) and it touched so many hearts. In just a matter of days the video has gone viral with over 385,300 views and more than 82,300 likes at the time of writing.
Coconut has even got her own Instagram account (@itsme_coconut ) as internet users can’t get enough of her emotional journey.
The online response has been so moving for Lindsay, who has loved hearing from others with similar experiences. She told Newsweek that it’s been a welcome reminder that there is still “so much good in the world” after all.
She only wishes her mom was still here to see all the attention that her soul dog is getting.
Lindsay said: “When people started commenting with photos of the dogs and cats they took in after the loss of a loved one, I truly understood the impact it was having. A person’s memory only lives on as long as we keep talking about them, and sharing this story feels like I’m doing a small part to keep my mom’s legacy alive.”
Many people took to the comments to share their reactions to the heartwarming video, leading to more than 2,300 comments on the TikTok video so far.
One comment reads: “I have my mom’s dog, Bear. He comforts me in ways I never knew were possible. Sorry for your loss.”
Another TikTok user wrote: “Coconut recognizes something in your boyfriend that soothes her soul.”
While another person replied: “you are a beautiful family for keeping her beloved pet.”
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