Sometimes, Healing Starts with a Dog

I wasn’t supposed to be on that train. After crying for hours outside my ex’s apartment, I grabbed the first ticket I could find. I needed air. Distance. Something to remind me I was still alive.

That’s when I saw him—a golden retriever sitting upright like a passenger. His eyes met mine with surprising depth, like he knew. Moments later, he gently placed his head on my knee. His owner, Sam, was shocked: “Buddy doesn’t usually do that.”

Somehow, I found myself telling Buddy everything—my heartbreak, regret, and how I’d lost myself in a toxic relationship. When the train arrived…

Sometimes, Healing Starts with a Dog

I wasn’t supposed to be on that train. After crying for hours outside my ex’s apartment, I grabbed the first ticket I could find. I needed air. Distance. Something to remind me I was still alive.

That’s when I saw him—a golden retriever sitting upright like a passenger. His eyes met mine with surprising depth, like he knew. Moments later, he gently placed his head on my knee. His owner, Sam, was shocked: “Buddy doesn’t usually do that.”

Somehow, I found myself telling Buddy everything—my heartbreak, regret, and how I’d lost myself in a toxic relationship. When the train arrived, I thought the moment was over. But then Sam asked, “Want to come with us? We’re heading to a cabin near Lake Crescent.” And Buddy’s tail thumped like he already knew my answer.

That weekend changed everything. Sam shared his own story of loss, and Buddy became a quiet, comforting presence. We talked, hiked, healed. Sam reminded me that walking away can be the bravest thing—and that joy can return in the most unexpected ways.

When I returned home, I started writing again. Months later, I saw a photo of Buddy at a local shelter—and went. Buddy ran straight to me. Sam smiled: “I had a feeling we’d see you again.”

I began volunteering there, helping others heal, and in the process, healed myself. And when Sam invited me on another trip, I said yes—because sometimes, life gives you exactly what you need, even if it comes on four legs.

If this touched you, share it. Someone out there might need the reminder: healing is possible—even after goodbye.