Woman Travels With Dog for Vacation, Unprepared for the Heartbreak Ahead
A woman who traveled across the world with her beloved dog for a vacation and an international competition is mourning his death after he had a tragic fall.
Mary Yasol (@maryyasol), 34, founder and CEO of The Chic Beauty & Wellness, brought her toy poodle Mr. Puff with her on a three-month trip to the Philippines to compete in the Miss Universe Philippines beauty pageant. The journey was not only about the competition—it was also a homecoming. Mr. Puff hadn't seen their Filipino family since the pair moved from the Philippines to Miami, Florida, in 2012.
"It was a full circle moment at that time with him by my side," Yasol told Newsweek. "But, on May 12, Mother's Day, he accidentally fell off a chair when we were resting together, and the fall caused a devastating injury that led to paralysis and degenerative disc disease," she said.
"He was my constant companion through everything, especially during really difficult times when I had no one else," Yasol added.
A split image showing Mary resting with her late dog Mr. Puff.
A split image showing Mary resting with her late dog Mr. Puff.
@maryyasol//@maryyasol/
Mr. Puff had been by Yasol's side since he was just 2 months old.
Yasol said that Mr. Puff was "devoted, protective, loyal, and full of charm." She took him everywhere, and he always managed to bring smiles to people's faces. During her early years in America, Mr. Puff was her only comfort and support.
"He kept me grounded and safe. I made sure I stayed healthy, came home every night, and avoided trouble because I knew he was always waiting for me. He gave me the strength to rebuild my life in South Florida. I owe so much of my healing, growth, and success to him. He truly was my reason to keep going," Yasol said.
She revealed Mr. Puff's death in a now-viral TikTok video that shows the little dog asleep on the plane. Overlay text reads: "I flew him across the world for a vacation and he died." In the caption, she added: "I said let's go on vacation, not heaven." The bittersweet humor left some viewers mistakenly believing he had died on the plane.
After his injury, Yasol and Mr. Puff returned to Miami to resume their lives. Though he began showing small signs of improvement, including nerve response to the healing work she was doing, his overall health was quietly deteriorating. "His spirit was unbreakable, and he was so motivated to get better," she said. But the therapy he would have needed was too intense for his aging body, with no guarantees he would walk or play again.
"Every day, it broke my heart to watch him push through pain just to try to recover for me," Yasol said. "He was willing, but I knew deep down that continuing would bring more suffering than healing. I had to be the bigger person and make the most-difficult decision of my life."
An image showing Mary cuddling Mr. Puff.
An image showing Mary cuddling Mr. Puff.
@maryyasol/@maryyasol
Once Yasol knew it was time, she arranged a compassionate home euthanasia service. "Before they arrived, I gave Mr. Puff the best last day I could. I made him his favorite meals, gave him ice cream, and surrounded him with all the love I could give. I held him close the entire time, sang and talked to him till he fell asleep.
"He passed peacefully, at home, in my arms, wrapped in warmth, comfort, and deep love. It was the most-heartbreaking moment of my life, but it was also my final act of love: to set him free from pain and let him rest."
Yasol said grieving Mr. Puff has been deeply emotional. "Losing a pet like Mr. Puff feels like losing a part of your soul," she added. But sharing their story on TikTok has been cathartic. "I've received hundreds of messages from people who saw themselves in our bond. His spirit lives on through those connections."
The video, which has earned more than 6.2 million likes and over 44.2 million views, resonated deeply with pet lovers across the world, many of whom shared their own stories in the comments.
"Same with my dad! Flew him over to Aus[tralia] to visit my new home and he got diagnosed with terminal cancer and died 9 days later died!!! Vacations are fun!!" wrote a commenter named Randi.
"For those wondering, no he did not die on the plane! I stalked her Instagram because I'm a worried pet mom who flies my dogs a lot. Her adorable dog, Mr. puff was 15 years old. She flew him from Miami," added another user.
"Do I laugh or cry causeeeee.......... Ok I guess both [be]cause that was a GENIUS," a third commented.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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