Expecting Mom Unknowingly Documents Final Walk With Dog: 'If I Had Known'

When this expectant mother filmed her growing belly while in an elevator ahead of a dog walk, she never expected it to be the last piece of footage captured of her beloved golden retriever.

The heartbreaking video has since been shared by Maya on TikTok. It has racked up 1.3 million views since it was shared on October 25. She can be seen recording her reflection in a mirror while her dog Bailey, 11, patiently stood next to her.

The on-screen text explained: "When you're simply taking a video of your baby bump but don't realize you're also documenting your last solo walk with your dog."

Maya, who uses the handle @my.oh.maya, told Newsweek: "She was a beautiful member of our family and my son had 2.5 wonderful years with her. Sadly the new baby coming this winter will not get to meet her."

The clip, captioned: "If I had known I would have taken my sweet time," boasted 83,400 likes at the time of writing.

Since then, Maya has used the handle @mayak7 on Instagram to share her sorrow. She posted a heartfelt tribute to her elderly dog, who passed away in the middle of October.

She wrote: "I can't put into words how deeply we will miss Bailey. She was just the most incredible dog. When someone knocks at the door, I will miss hearing her bark. I'll miss the random smiles from strangers on our walks. I'll miss how she would give me her paw randomly, cuddling with her, and all of her silly ways. I'll miss my shadow."

Pet bereavement counselor Joe Nutkins previously told Newsweek there are several ways owners can deal with the loss of their beloved animal companion.

She advised owners to give themselves plenty of time to grieve and to avoid rushing into moving their pets' belongings. She also encouraged people to go outdoors and appreciate nature and to remember all their favorite things about their bundle of joy.

Maya has been inundated with almost 100 comments, many of which are sending their condolences.

"Your pup is going to help guide your baby earth side," said one user.

Another asked: "How do we even deal with this kind of pain?"

But it isn't just owners who grieve, pets feel the pain too. One dog was previously caught on camera staring at a photo of his late owner. Another canine left the internet in tears as he grieved for his sister who had recently given birth to a litter of pups.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.