The photo is heartbreaking, but there is a happy ending.

>> Read more trending news

An animal rescue facility in northern New Jersey posted photos on Facebook of a dog sitting by his owner's empty bed, waiting faithfully for his return but unaware the man had died.

Moose, a 3-year-old Lab mix, was captured in a heart-tugging photograph on social media by NorthStar Pet Rescue

"Moose sat patiently next to his dad's hospital bed, waiting for him to return, not knowing that 'Dad' had passed away," the rescue facility wrote on Facebook. "Moose has now been returned to our friends at Eleventh Hour Rescue and he's taking the loss of his dad pretty hard."

Moose's mourning may be ending soon. NorthStar posted Wednesday that several applications had been received to adopt the dog.

"We are hopeful he will find a forever home soon," NorthStar posted on Facebook.

About the Author

Keep Reading

The UPS plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, killed the three pilots and 11 people on the ground. (NTSB via AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez