Viral Video of Golden Retriever Greeting Dad Over the Years Has People Sobbing

When we age, our dogs age with us. It's almost scary to see how one day they're puppies and then the next day — poof! They're full grown dogs. A video online really shows this heartbreaking transition — and people can't get over how sad it was to see one man's dog aging as he greets him over the years.

It never gets easier, does it? Just thinking about this dog getting older has us reaching for the Kleenex.

The video from @Hdbrosriley not only showed the Golden running over to his dad to say hello, but the dog hilariously lept into his dog dad's arms every single time.

Related: Golden Retriever Dances to Meet Newborn and It's Too Cute to Handle

If we had to guess, the clips in the video are all from when Riley's owner had big trips away from home. Nothing brings you home again like knowing there's a happy dog waiting for you on the other side.

"Then vs. now with my 10-year-old Riley," he wrote in the caption.

We don't know about you but this was the sweetest darn thing we've ever seen. Commenters online were falling to pieces. "Dogs are a chapter of our lives, but to them, we are their whole life," one person quoted. "It’s cruel that they get older," someone else pointed out. "I wasn't emotionally prepared for that," a third person chimed in.

While someone else shared a quote that really got us in the feelings. "My favorite random internet quote is 'we're put here to learn to love. Dogs already know how to love, so they don't have to be here as long.' I saw it the day after my dog died and it stuck," they wrote.

Whew, we're probably never getting over that one.

Reasons Why Golden Retrievers Tend to Die Young

Not to bum you out, but it is fairly common for Goldens to die younger than other dogs. There are several reasons for this. The first being that Goldens tend to develop cancer easily — about 60 percent will develop the illness. The problem is so prevalent that there are now research studies dedicated to finding out why Goldens seem to have this problem.

Another big factor? Obesity. Dogs that weigh more then to live shorter lives. Studies have also found that overweight dogs tend to develop cancer too. Heart disease is another reason why Golden Retrievers don't live too long. Which is why it's very important to make sure you're giving your dog food made with healthy ingredients.

There are many other health-related reasons why Goldens tend to die on the younger side. So keep yours healthy by making sure they have the proper nutrition and regular exercise.

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