Loyal dog walks behind beloved owner's coffin in heartbreaking tribute

09 January 2023 , 12:09

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Golden retriever Bessie followed her owner to her final resting place (credit: Tamara Gervasoni)

A loyal dog has left people in tears after being pictured walking behind her owner's coffin as she made her way to her final resting place. The golden retriever, named Bessie, lead mourners to Killashee Cemetery, County Longford, Ireland, following the death of her beloved owner Margo Magan.

Margo passed away at aged 94 on Friday, December 30, surrounded by her family at Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar. The mum-of-12 is remembered as a renowned swimmer, golfer and table tennis player. She was named Longford Golf Club Lady Captain in 1971 and the club's First Lady President in 1996, reports Irish Mirror.

Posting the poignant image on Twitter, her son, Mike Magan, wrote: "We said our final goodbye to our remarkable mum Margo at 94. She loved her dog. Mother of 12. Champion swimmer, holder of many titles/records, top golfer, 1st female president of a golf club in Ireland. Active until recently having swam Xmas day 3 years ago. Legend."

The picture was taken by Margo's grandniece, Tamara Gervasoni, as they made their way to Killashee Cemetery for burial after her funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Killashee last Monday.

Sharing their condolences, Jennifer Beckett said on Twitter: "Sending all the love Mike. Margo was a force of nature and Killashee will seem weird without her I'm sure."

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Angela Taylor added: "RIP. So sorry to read this. Condolences to your family and her faithful dog following her."

Karen Reynolds said: "Incredible, powerful and poignant picture. Sincerest sympathies on the loss of your mum, may she rest in peace."

Ev McCaffrey Pape said: "I am so, so sorry for your loss. What a great example of how to live life to the fullest. I’m praying for all of you grieving her loss."

Others who didn't know Margo personally also shared their sympathies, with many commenting on the powerful image.

One user said: "This photo just appeared on my timeline - so poignant, so sad but what an amazing photo."

Another user added: "Wow, she sounds like an incredible woman! Condolences to you and your family."

A third user said: "Lost my mum almost 6 years ago. Think about her every single day. What a fantastic picture. Her dog was with her right to the very end. I hope some of the family will care for her dog now."

Nicola Donnelly