This loyal dog refused to leave its owner’s side after a terrible tragedy happened

Dogs make loyal companions, and this pooch is proof that they stay by your side till the end. The devoted pup never left its owner's side after a devastating accident happened.

The loyal dog

Farmer Mary O'Shea was cutting trees when one of the branches fell and pinned her to the floor on her own land in Kilkenny, Ireland.

The woman, a well-known local historian and writer in her 60s, collapsed and lost consciousness.

Instead of fleeing the terrible scene, one of her dogs refused to leave her side until she was found the following day, more than 24 hours later.

Sadly, Ms O’Shea’s injuries were fatal and she was pronounced dead at the scene after the help arrived.

The local sources, fascinated by her heartbroken pet’s loyalty, confirmed:

The dog stayed by her side the whole time.

Why are dogs so loyal?

Dogs are naturally loving and affectionate. Their pack animal nature makes it easy for dogs to develop strong bonds with those they perceive as members of their pack.

But dogs don't just develop bonds with other dogs. Anyone who has a multi-species household knows that pooches can form bonds with cats, pigs, ducks, and practically any living creature. Pups are social animals, and their special relationship with humans seems to go a lot deeper than simply enjoying their company.

Taking care of their physical needs in exchange for canine companionship — goes back several millennia and certainly plays a part in the bond humans share with dogs. But that doesn't explain the lengths a pooch will go to for his human.

Studies examining the dog-human relationship have found that over such a long time of living so closely with people, dogs have developed the ability to empathize with human beings, read human body language and facial expressions, and develop their own ways of communicating with us.

Sources used:

- Mirror: 'Loyal dog refuses to leave owner's side after she is killed by falling tree branch'

- Hill’s Pet: 'Dog Devotion: Shining Examples of Dog Loyalty'