Tears as Dog Healing From Amputation Stands to Meet Owner Home From College

Hearts are melting at a dog who recently received a “fatal diagnosis and amputation” showing his determination to greet his owner.

Zoë-Louise Doyle told Newsweek that her dog, Robert, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancer of the bone. With osteosarcoma, tumors form from abnormal production of cells that create and break down bone. The front and hind legs are the most commonly affected bones in dogs, according to an article from VCA Animal Hospitals.

Luckly for Robert, his cancer was detected rather early, but he still needed an amputation. Doyle said the amputation is more palliative than curative, but because bone cancer is painful, she wanted to help relieve his discomfort.

“Catching it so early has given him the best chance as we removed the main tumor so hopefully it won’t spread!” she said.

Seeing him go through this broke down Doyle, as it would for any dog owner. It especially hurts knowing her Greyhound used to greet her when she returned home from college. However, since his diagnosis, he’s been in pain and unable to stand on his own. That all changed within the past week.

Doyle started crying when Robert finally stood up and excitedly hobbled over to her after she came home in her March 5 TikTok video posted under @robert_the_greyhound. It was the first time he had done it since his amputation. She’s calling it a “milestone moment” for the pup as he’s on the road to recovery.

Doyle explained in the comments section that this moment felt extra special as he made this progress right after she defended her thesis. She wrote: “…It’s like he knew, his big hurdle was jumped, and now, so is mine!”

Robert’s fight with cancer is ongoing. Doyle said he’s back-and-forth at the vet’s office every two days due to post-op infection and pressure sores that need care. They have delayed his chemo treatment, which Doyle said will be the “main fight” against the cancer spreading to his lungs. Thankfully, that has not happened yet.

Despite these bumps in the road, Doyle said he’s on the mend.

“He’s in flying form now and making strides (or hops) toward recovery every day!” she said.

TikTok Users React

The special moment instantly brought people to tears as the TikTok video amassed over 17,700 views and 1,293 likes as of Friday afternoon.

“Oh Robert, what a good lad – wishing him a speedy recovery!” one TikTok user wrote.

A second commented: “I just burst out crying! They are so resilient and loving and gentle.”

A third added: “That’s tremendous, these little milestones mean everything, it’s brought a tear of joy to my eyes.”

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