Senior Dog Waits for Over a Year Outside Hospital Where Owner Died: 'Loyal'

A loyal senior dog spent over a year outside a hospital waiting for the return of his dead owner.

The Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), an animal-welfare charity based in the Philippines, says that Morgan the dog waited day and night outside Manila Central University Hospital in Caloocan after his owner was admitted last year with COVID-19.

Sadly, his human companion passed away, yet Morgan remained there waiting and, perhaps, somehow hoping against all hope that his friend would eventually return. "The family tried taking Morgan home, but he would always go back to the hospital," an AKF spokesperson told Newsweek.

Everyone grieves the loss of a loved one in different ways, and the same is true of dogs. In 2022, a study published in Scientific Reports saw 426 pet owners complete a questionnaire on the subject of how their dog grieved the loss of another canine that was once part of their household.

The results showed that 86 percent of owners witnessed behavioral changes in their surviving dogs following the death of a canine companion.

These dogs were reported to have played and eaten less while also sleeping more and seeking greater attention from their owner. This type of reaction was found to be particularly strong among those surviving dogs who had developed a strong bond with the recently deceased canine.

The scientists behind the study ultimately concluded that this type of reaction was born out of the fact the surviving dog had been left feeling they had lost an attachment figure in their lives, and with it, the safety and security they had provided.

It is difficult to know for sure if Morgan knew, on any level, that his owner was gone. Whatever the case, he remained steadfastly loyal to his human friend in a way that only dogs can.

However, while the owner's death left the dog alone, he quickly found some semblance of care and support from the community of doctors, students, medical reps, guards and hospital staff who gave him food and water.

"They fed him and he was sociable, active, and friendly to the staff so they did their best to take care of him," the AKF spokesperson said. "They made sure not to report Morgan for fear that they would pick him up and bring him to the pound [where he would be euthanized.]"

He ended up being christened Morgan by staff because they "always found at the hospital near the Morgue." Eventually, however, someone decided Morgan needed a more long-term solution so they got in touch with the AKF staff, who came to his aid.

"The dogs we rescue are mostly abandoned, victims of cruelty and maltreatment, and especially fighting the dog meat trade in the country," the AKF said. "We received a report from a sales rep who frequently visits the hospital. She would feed Morgan and knew the dog through the stories from staff and the guards."

Though staff at the hospital will miss Morgan, they were happy to see him move on with his life and hopefully start a whole new chapter.

Morgan is recuperating at the AKF Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Capas, Tarlac. He's gradually regaining weight, is up to date with his vaccinations, and is set to be neutered before being put up for adoption.

Eager to share his story in the hopes of ultimately finding him a new forever home, the AKF shared a post to Facebook, detailing Morgan's journey so far. "Please help Morgan be happy again," it reads. "He deserves it. Please share some love to a loyal furry friend."

Since the post, the AKF has been contacted by several prospective owners eager to adopt Morgan, who is as loyal a dog as you are ever likely to meet. His story is a reminder of how loving pets can be and the fact they truly see us as their family.

The hope now is that Morgan gets a second chance at life and an opportunity to be part of a family again.

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