A chihuahua’s reaction to the recent passing of her beloved owner in Amsterdam, NY, reminds us of the special connection between dogs and humans.

Deta’s now-deceased caretaker left the dog to her daughter, Theresa. And when Theresa takes Deta to the cemetery to visit the gravesite, she never wants to leave. In this video, there are tears when Deta’s new family gently tells her that it’s time to go home. According to Theresa, Deta makes a beeline for her former owner’s gravesite whenever they visit the cemetery.

Deta’s loyalty to her deceased owner is symbolic of the intuitiveness our canine companions possess and their ability to feel emotions, reminding us of the importance of caring for our pets the way they care for us — including their emotional wellbeing.