Dog Owner Leaves Kind Gesture in Park After Their 'Best Friend' Dies

A novel and touching act in memory of a beloved pet has gone viral on Facebook with more than 10,000 likes after Anne Cassia posted an image of a basket filled with tennis balls on the side of the road in Albany Bulb, California.

With it was a note reading: "In loving memory of Clyde. A true best friend. Please take a ball for your dog to enjoy. Kindly return it afterwards so another dog can have fun and create happy memories too."

The note was accompanied by a picture of a small gray and white dog.

Cassia told Newsweek: "I was actually quite surprised by the responses! It's of course a sweet gesture, but my posts in that group are usually only seen by a few people. I thought it might touch a few. So imagine my surprise as the responses kept pouring in, from all over the world. So many people affected by this one sweet gesture, this one oh- so loved dog."

Cassia related to the note, saying: "Two years ago August 24 I lost my heart dog, my Lanie. I know that pain all too well, which is part of why Clyde's memorial touched me. His memory is honored, as I honor Lanie's. Most of us who have dogs have experienced the incredible pain of losing our daily companions, our true best friends. I think that's why it got such a response."

Cassia believes the basket is a new addition to a popular walking trail saying: "I had not seen the basket before, and I go there often."

Dogs And Balls

These days there are a plethora of toys available for dogs but can anything really beat the humble tennis ball?

Website PetHelpful.com suggest that dogs' obsession with chasing balls may be caused by a primal urge.

"It is courtesy of a dog's prey drive that dogs are often irresistibly lured to chasing things that move," says the website.

"A dog's drive to chase is to a great extent due to his prey drive," it continues. "Now, consider this: from a dog's perspective, a ball is the materialization of prey as it moves erratically and stimulates the chase.

"When your dog grabs the ball and shakes his head, he is basically "killing it" as he would do to break the neck of small critters."

'Good Boy'

Users were delighted with the new dog-friendly addition to Albany Bulb.

"Someone please fill up the basket with new toys. RIP good boy," wrote one user.

"I'm actually going to drop off some balls Thursday," said another.

Users also commented on the lovely gesture to Clyde the dog.

"This is a wonderful thing to do. Made me cry," said one person, with another saying: "What a beautiful way to remember a beautiful boy."