"I thought he wouldn't recognize me": A dog's reaction to reuniting with its owner in Cuba touches hearts on TikTok

A viral TikTok video shows the emotional reunion of a young Cuban woman with her dog after 29 months apart, highlighting the strong bond and unconditional love between humans and their pets.


An emotional reunion between a young Cuban and her dog has gone viral on TikTok, touching the hearts of thousands of users. After being separated from her pet for 29 months, the young woman shared the heartwarming moment when her dog recognized her and couldn't contain his joy.

In the video posted on the TikTok account @eli_gatik, the visibly excited dog runs toward its owner, leaps onto her, and showers her with affection. The young woman, for her part, cannot help but get emotional as she hugs him.

Alongside the video, the young woman wrote: “After 29 months without seeing me, I thought he wouldn't recognize me. I was so happy to see him, but at the same time it hurt. Only those who have left a pet behind will understand,” hinting at the difficulty of the separation.

The reunion reflects the deep bond that can exist between people and their pets. Despite the time that has passed, the dog recognized its owner instantly, demonstrating the loyalty and unconditional love that characterize these animals.

The video has generated thousands of reactions and comments on TikTok, where other users who have had similar experiences expressed their empathy and shared their own stories. Some comments highlight: “Only those of us who have had to leave our pets behind know how difficult it is” or “The love of animals knows no bounds; they will always remember you.”

The experience of this young woman is not isolated. Many Cubans who emigrate are forced to leave their pets with family or friends on the island, facing the sadness of separation. While in some cases they manage to bring them along eventually, reunions are not always possible, making moments like this especially emotional.

This video serves as a reminder of the impact that animals have on our lives and the importance of cherishing their companionship. For those who have had to part ways with their pets, these reunions are a ray of hope and a testament to the unwavering love of their four-legged friends.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but I live in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication at the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as a writer in the Entertainment section.