Andrea is a college student and the owner of three Great Danes. Her first ever, Iris, died in January from cancer.
As would be expected, it was a tragic and heartbreaking time, with Iris even losing a leg to her illness, but Andrea found a silver lining in the sadness.
Sharing beautiful shots of Iris during her life, including being carried in a sling, Andrea shared 13 things she learned from the death of her furry friend. The video has touched millions online, gaining over 2 million views.
Ranging from enjoying life more to appreciating change, the lessons are valuable and philosophical: something Iris probably had no idea she was able to do. Those lessons were:
Iris was Andrea’s first Great Dane but died after suffering from osteosarcoma, a malignant tumor of the bone.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals: “The long bones are the most commonly affected though bones such as the jaw, hips or pelvis may also be affected.” Large breed dogs are more commonly affected than, including Great Danes.
Andrea welcomed her second and third Great Danes during college, meaning she isn’t the only one affected by the loss of Iris. According to Andrea’s videos, fellow Great Dane Lombardi sleeps by Iris’ ashes every night.
In fact, Andrea believes that her fourth Great Dane, welcomed after Iris’ death, was sent by Iris. The puppy was born on Iris’ fifth birthday.
TikTok viewers were left touched by Iris’ story and the heartwarming lessons she taught her owner without even meaning to. Owners flooded the comments with their own similar stories.
“I appreciate humans like you. I’ve had 7 Danes and they are all heartbreakers. I haven’t gotten myself to get another yet,” wrote one user.
Newsweek has contacted Andrea for comment.
