Stray Dog Stays For Days By The Side Of Her Deceased Puppy

<p> <a class="checked-link" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Golden_Retriever_puppy.jpg">Wikimedia</a><span></span> </p>
<p> <a class="checked-link" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Golden_Retriever_puppy.jpg">Wikimedia</a><span></span> </p>

In a heartbreaking display of maternal affection, an incredibly loyal and loving stray dog has been seen holding vigil for her dead puppy days after burying it in the ground at a Georgia cemetery.

The golden retriever was first spotted on the grounds of the Laurel Grove Cemetery North in Savannah this week, laying for hours nearby the lifeless body of her offspring, who died of unknown causes. Hunter Cone, a young man who first noticed the grieving dog, told local news station WTOC, "If this doesn't prove that dogs have feelings just like humans do, I don't think anything else will."

Fearing that the mourning stray would suffer as temperatures dropped during the night, Cone and his mother offered her food and water, but she refused to abandon her vigil. The following day, they were relieved to see that the loyal dog was still there, alive but still holding steadfast to the spot.

Incredibly, as WTOC reports, at some point the dog is believed to have actually buried her deceased puppy.

Staff at the cemetery say that the dog has been a common sight there since the summer and has generally avoided people. With winter in full swing, however, animal welfare group Coastal Pet Rescue is hoping to round up the heartbroken canine to give her shelter, and perhaps find her a home - but according to Georgia law, only Animal Control is authorized to take in strays.

Officials say they are working with the cemetery to win the dog's trust enough to capture her, after which they'll place her under the care of Coastal Pet Rescue.

Meanwhile, the rescue group has launched a petition to change the protocol for handling dogs in need of urgent rescue.