You might have seen countless videos or ads regarding home cleaning or renovation. However, I doubt any of those posts ever made you reach for a tissue, right?
Yet, the video at the heart of today’s narrative is indeed one that evokes tears, despite starting as a simple segment on painting stairs at home.
Without a doubt, the main character in this brief but poignant story is a beloved canine companion.
A Heartfelt Reason
On January 21, 2024, a TikTok user named @shariblivin shared a video that captivated many viewers. As I mentioned earlier, the video opens with a typical tutorial on renovating a home—specifically, painting fading stairs.
If someone paused to read the caption before scrolling past this video among a sea of social media content, they might have realized it conveyed a profoundly more significant message.
“I refinished my stairs… I painted the steps black.” The caption starts, but continues with a poignant revelation: “But there was one step I could NOT paint over.”
At this poignant moment in the video, a touching twist occurs as an old photo of Shari’s cherished Golden Retriever, Max, resting on that very step is displayed, along with the text: “This is HIS step he would even sleep here.”
It becomes clear when Shari shares that exactly one year ago, her beloved Max passed away, leaving this world right beneath the staircase—on his favorite step, reclining on her lap.
While there might not be a formal “tissue warning” at the end of the video, consider yourself forewarned—prepare your tissues. The concluding words are bound to touch even the most stoic hearts.
“I did paint the stairs. I do love them. But I just could not bear the thought of covering up that step,” Shari said, her emotions evident. “So now it’s forever his.”
These words have become eternal—though Max and his human may no longer share this world, their bond remains unbreakable.
@shariblivin I refinished my stairs… I painted the steps black. But there was one step I could NOT paint over. One year ago today, my dog Max passed away. He put his head on my lap and went to forever sleep. He loved this step. He even slept on it. Haha so I made it a forever tribute to him. The best dog ever.
“Cry Me A River”
For me, it was a challenge to watch the entire video, even though it’s under a minute long. The emotional weight packed into those brief visual snippets and words is simply astonishing.
The reactions and comments from viewers show that many were similarly moved.
“I JUST cried at this TikTok because of Emmy or Emma’s duet 😭,” remarked one user.
Another echoed: “You have no right breaking my heart first thing in the morning 🥺🥺🥺”
And a third observed: “This was the perfect way to honor Max ❤️”
While this video must have struck a chord with many, it was likely the hardest for those who have also lost their treasured furry companions.
Fortunately, grief does not need to linger indefinitely—there are numerous ways to cherish the memory of a pet who has crossed the rainbow bridge.
From donating your pet’s favorite toys to a local animal shelter, to visiting a Real-Life Rainbow Bridge, there are various ways to keep their memory alive.
One need not cry a river for their loved one; instead, you can remember them in ways that allow your heart to heal. Sometimes, extending your step over one stair can create a bond that transcends the physical realm.
This powerful video stands as a testament to that.
