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Hercules’ farewell moved millions by showing the German Shepherd in his last moments alongside the family, after years of care, serious illnesses, and a difficult decision guided by veterinary guidance and animal welfare.
The 16-year-old German Shepherd, Hercules, spent his last day of life alongside his owner, dog trainer André Bressan, in Içara, in the south of Santa Catarina, in a farewell planned to include activities that marked the relationship between the two.
The case was published on social media and gained attention on Brazilian portals after showing the animal at the beach, on a car ride, and receiving care before going to the veterinary clinic.
The decision came after a long period of worsening health for the dog, who faced tumors, kidney failure, body lesions, blindness, difficulties absorbing nutrients, and constant pain, according to reports attributed to André in publications about the case.
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The family stated that there had been a veterinary recommendation for euthanasia for more than three years, but they continued treatments and care to preserve comfort and quality of life as long as possible.
Companion to André for 16 years, Hercules participated in the routine of the owner since the beginning of the dog trainer’s career.
The German Shepherd accompanied training sessions, life changes, and family moments, becoming a constant presence both at home and in Bressan’s work, as recorded by the owner himself and shared by pages dedicated to the animal cause.
Hercules’ last day included beach, car, and affection
Before the farewell at the veterinary clinic, André prepared an itinerary with activities associated with what Hercules seemed to enjoy or was curious to experience.
The dog was taken to the beach, went for a car ride, received grooming, and was given foods that were not part of his routine due to health restrictions.
In the images that circulated on social media, André appears alongside the German Shepherd in moments of affection and care.
In one of the statements reproduced by publications about the case, the owner apologized for having taken the dog to the beach so few times, a phrase that set the tone for the farewell and helped amplify the emotion among internet users.
The reaction occurred mainly because the scene brought together two common elements in the relationship between owners and elderly animals: the attempt to alleviate suffering and the difficulty of accepting the end of the companionship.
Although the video was treated on social media as a tribute, the episode also exposed the complexity of decisions made when serious illnesses stop responding to available care.
The German shepherd’s health was in critical condition
According to publications that reported André’s explanation, Hercules had tumors spread across different regions of the body, including the digestive system, which impaired feeding and caused significant weight loss.
The owner also stated that the dog could no longer feed properly and was living with significant pain.
In the days leading up to the farewell, the German shepherd had undergone hospitalizations and resuscitation procedures, as well as faced a severe infection without a satisfactory response to antibiotics.
According to reports attributed to André, the family asked the veterinarians to try to stabilize the animal for a few more hours so that he could experience the planned farewell alongside his owners.
The plan worked for part of the day, but the situation worsened again when Hercules had a seizure just as the family was preparing to head to the clinic.
Even with the history of pain and accumulated illnesses, André reported that he still questioned the decision, a common reaction among owners facing the euthanasia of a pet.
Quality of life guides veterinary decisions
The evaluation of the moment to say goodbye to an animal usually involves different factors, such as pain, appetite, mobility, response to treatments, interaction with the family, and the ability to perform activities that previously provided well-being.
The veterinary portal PetMD states that quality of life tools can help owners track the proportion between good days and bad days, always with professional guidance.
Reference materials in veterinary medicine also point out that when difficult days consistently outnumber good days, it may be necessary to discuss euthanasia with the responsible team.
A guide from the veterinary hospital of Louisiana State University recommends observing changes in behavior and listing activities the animal used to enjoy, to assess if they can still enjoy them.
The British organization PDSA, focused on animal care, explains that quality of life involves comfort, feeding, activity, absence of intense suffering, and pleasure in daily interactions.
When deterioration occurs gradually, it can be more difficult for the family to perceive, which reinforces the importance of veterinary follow-up during chronic or terminal illnesses.
In the case of Hercules, the available information indicates that the decision was made after years of treatment, progressive worsening, and medical guidance.
André stated that he tried to offer comfort to the fullest extent possible, while the public farewell showed a way to honor the dog without failing to recognize the suffering accumulated by age and illnesses.
The record moved internet users because it highlighted a relationship built over 16 years, marked by daily companionship, work, affection, and care in a final phase considered delicate.
Hércules’ story, more than the video’s impact, showed the weight of a decision that needs to consider love, responsibility, and animal welfare at the same time.
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