Unconditional love: dog walks 12 km to say goodbye to owner in Minas Gerais

A remarkable act of loyalty and love touched the city of Ipuiúna, in southern Minas Gerais, when Nick, a mixed-breed dog, walked 12 kilometers alone to reach the funeral of his owner, Claudemir Cândido Luiz, known as Marola. The event took place on August 15, 2025, after Marola, aged 45, suffered a sudden heart attack and passed away. The ten-year bond between the dog and his owner, marked by companionship, astonished family and friends who saw Nick appear unexpectedly at the funeral ceremony. Exhausted and visibly sad, the dog was placed on the coffin in a symbolic gesture of farewell, moving everyone present. The story, reflecting the depth of bonds between humans and animals, gained attention and touched hearts in the small Minas Gerais town.

Nick’s arrival at the funeral, without anyone bringing him, raised questions about how the dog located the event. Family members believe the emotional connection with Marola guided the animal. The case underscores the power of affectionate bonds between pets and their owners, a theme that resonates in many communities.

• The 12 km journey went from the family’s rural property to downtown Ipuiúna.
• Nick, usually wary, appeared visibly weary with teary eyes.
• The act was seen as a final farewell to his owner.
• The story went viral, moving locals and spreading on social media.

A decade-long bond

Claudemir Cândido Luiz, known as Marola, lived for ten years alongside Nick at the family’s rural property in Ipuiúna. Their relationship was so close that the dog was considered an inseparable part of the owner’s daily life. According to Edvino Cândido Luiz, Marola’s father, “Nick was everything to him.” This connection, built over a decade, amazed those who knew the pair, defined by moments of companionship in their rural routine. The dog, described as jealous and reserved with strangers, saw Marola as his main source of affection.

On August 15, Marola felt ill and drove alone to the city seeking medical help. Despite his efforts, he succumbed to the heart attack shortly after arriving at the hospital. The news shook the family, who organized the funeral the following day. No one imagined that Nick, left behind at the property, would undertake such an extraordinary journey to be present.

Nick’s solitary journey

Nick’s arrival at the funeral, after covering 12 kilometers, was one of the most striking moments of the ceremony. Kátia Luiz, Marola’s sister-in-law and a therapist, described the surprise of seeing the dog enter the chapel. “We encountered something we never imagined possible,” she said. The dog, typically cautious around strangers, appeared noticeably different, showing signs of exhaustion and sadness.

The route from the rural property to the city is not straightforward. The distance, equivalent to a three-hour walk for a human, includes dirt roads and urban stretches. How Nick pinpointed the exact location of the funeral remains a mystery, but the family believes his instinct and bond with Marola were key.

• The family’s property is in an isolated rural area of Ipuiúna.
• Nick traveled the route alone, navigating dirt roads.
• The dog arrived at the funeral showing clear signs of physical exhaustion.
• Family members captured the moment in photos, revealing the animal’s sad expression.

Emotional farewell

During the funeral, the family decided to allow Nick a special moment to bid farewell to Marola. Kátia placed the dog on the coffin, where he displayed behaviors that heightened the emotional weight of the moment. The animal sniffed the body, wagged his tail slightly, lay down, and, according to accounts, made sounds interpreted as crying. “It was heartbreaking to see; he truly felt the loss,” Kátia stated.

Nick’s gesture not only moved those present but also symbolized the strength of the bond he shared with Marola. The family, already grappling with grief, found in the dog’s act a reflection of the love Claudemir cultivated, not only with the animal but with everyone around him. José Cândido Luiz, Marola’s brother, emphasized that the episode reinforced the fond memories left by his brother.

Community response

Nick’s story quickly spread through Ipuiúna, a small town where acts of affection gain prominence. Residents shared the story in conversations and on social media, turning the dog into a symbol of loyalty. The case also sparked discussions about animals’ sensitivity and their ability to understand significant events, such as the loss of a loved one.

Nick’s journey was not just an isolated act but an event that united the community around values like loyalty and love. Many neighbors, familiar with the bond between Marola and the dog, visited the family to offer condolences and comment on the animal’s feat. The story also inspired reflections on pet care and the importance of recognizing their emotions.

• The story was featured on regional outlets, such as EPTV.
• Ipuiúna residents organized symbolic tributes to Nick.
• The case reignited debates about animals’ emotional intelligence.
• The family received messages of support from other cities in Minas Gerais.

Human-animal bond

Nick’s story reinforces studies highlighting the depth of emotional connections between humans and their pets. Research indicates that dogs can recognize changes in their environment and their owners’ behavior, often reacting to traumatic events like death. In Ipuiúna, Nick’s behavior was seen as a clear demonstration of this ability.

Marola’s family decided to keep Nick at the rural property, where he continues to be cared for with affection. For José, Marola’s brother, the dog represents a living memory of the love his brother left behind. “He’s no longer here, but the good memories remain,” he said. Nick’s presence at the funeral became a memory the family will cherish forever, a testament to the eternal bond between the dog and Marola.

Legacy of love and loyalty

Nick’s act transcended the small town of Ipuiúna, reaching readers across Brazil. The story was highlighted by several news outlets, emphasizing the uniqueness of the gesture. For many, the case serves as a reminder of the strength of affectionate bonds that surpass species barriers.

Marola’s family plans to create a small memorial at the property, featuring photos of Claudemir and Nick, to immortalize their relationship. According to Kátia, the initiative is a way to honor not only her brother-in-law’s memory but also the example of loyalty set by the dog. Nick’s story continues to inspire, showing that true love can manifest in the most unexpected ways.

• The memorial will be a simple space with photos and mementos.
• The family intends to care for Nick with the same dedication Marola showed.
• The story prompted donations to animal shelters in the region.
• The case highlighted the importance of animal welfare programs in small towns.