As dogs grow older, the routines and joys they once loved can slowly fade, but what remains is often something even more profound.

A viral Instagram video has captured this truth in the most touching way, showing how younger pups have adapted to comfort their senior sibling.

The 17.5-year-old dog, Amba, may not have the energy to run after squirrels anymore, but her family’s love makes sure she never feels left behind.

The scene has moved hundreds of thousands of viewers, reminding many of the deep loyalty animals show one another.


The video, posted in July by @dharmas_dogs, shows Amba resting on her bed near a window as her younger siblings quietly gather beside her.

Instead of rushing outside to chase squirrels, the dogs choose to sit with Amba and watch the world go by together.

The text overlay in the clip reads: “Your sister is 17 and she can’t chase the squirrels anymore … So you all stay with her and watch them together. chasing is overrated.”

In the caption, the owner adds, “Her siblings are staying close to her these days no matter where she is. Even when there are squirrels they could chase.”


In a statement to Newsweek, the owner explained why this moment resonates so deeply. “When I moved Amba’s bed to a spot where she could see the squirrels playing, the others just stayed next to her and watched them with her.”

“At 17.5 years old, her days may not include chasing squirrels anymore, but they will always include knowing that she is loved.”

“Every dog deserves that,” she said. The clip has now reached more than 347,000 views and continues to grow.

Amba’s story is made even more remarkable by her history. She was adopted at six months old after battling a serious parvo infection and was not expected to survive, but she went on to live nearly two decades.


Also read: How senior dogs and seniors are finding new purpose together

Over the years, she has helped her owner care for newly adopted and foster dogs, providing comfort to each one as they transitioned into their new home.

Now, her siblings are returning that same kindness, staying by her side and waiting patiently when her slow pace holds them back.

The owner revealed that several of her other dogs also came from difficult beginnings. “The two white dogs are congenitally deaf.”

“Satchi, a male, was hours from euthanasia at shelter. As a shelter volunteer, I knew him and loved him. I adopted him hours before his scheduled euthanasia.”



“Nali and Bruce both had traumatic pasts,” she shared. She added, “Amba was the one who comforted each of them when I brought them home.”

“They all love her so much, it makes me cry to see how they watch over her now that she’s frail. They are all so gentle and protective of her.”

“She is the definition of selfless love, in my opinion. Now she’s being taken care of in the way she took care of so many others,” the owner said. Viewers agreed, filling the comments with emotional messages.

One user wrote, “I wish everyone could be so lucky to have 17 years with their best friend.” Another added, “Well I didn’t expect to cry so early this morning!!! They love her so much.”


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A third reflected, “I hate that they get old so fast but having a senior dog is such a blessing.”

Stories like Amba’s reveal the strength of empathy not just between people and pets, but also among animals themselves.

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Have you experienced moments where your pets surprised you with their care for one another? Share your own stories in the comments—because reminders of this kind of love never lose their power.