In a heart-wrenching post on Reddit’s r/NoStupidQuestions, a user has shared how a tragic accident has left them struggling to move forward.
While trying to help a friend who had just had a newborn, the Redditor took in the friend’s dog so it could enjoy a spacious garden. However, despite their vigilance, the French bulldog named Archie slipped into the user’s swimming pool and drowned.
“So long story short, my best friend just had her second baby… I offered to help watch their dog because they live in an apartment and I have a big garden,” the user wrote in the post. While preparing to go out, they momentarily lost sight of the dog and discovered too late that Archie had fallen into the pool. “He was still warm and soft. I tried to do CPR for over 20 minutes… I was hysterical,” the Redditor said. “They don’t blame me, but obviously I should have been more careful and it was my responsibility.”
As well as damage to the friends’ relationship, the poster said they were also worried about their seven-year-old son who witness the incident. “How can we get over this?” they asked, searching for guidance on managing the trauma, restoring the friendship, and forgiving themselves.
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The post has thousands of upvotes and hundreds of responses on Reddit where people were quick to share their reactions.
“Apologize as much as you can. Invest in a pool fence…this will show your friends you’ve taken this seriously,” suggested user MarzyMalyss. While Redditor Ninj-nerd1998 echoed the idea and said: “One thing you should definitely do is install a fence around your pool if you haven’t got one already. They exist to prevent things like that.”
Psychologist and relationship expert Veronica West shared her thoughts on the tragic scenario. “This is one of those unexpected pop quiz scenarios that life throws at you when the questions are in a foreign language,” she told Newsweek. “You intervened out of love and good intentions, but destiny turned your life upside down.”
West noted that feelings of guilt are a common response to accidental loss, emphasizing that guilt often serves as “your brain’s way of ensuring you care.” She suggested that the Redditor write down positive memories they shared with Archie as a way to counterbalance self-blame and, if the guilt remains overwhelming, to consider speaking with a therapist who can help “evict that pesky voice in your head that says, ‘This is all on me.'”
When it comes to helping the child who witnessed the tragic incident, West said that communication is key. She recommended creating a small memorial activity, such as planting flowers or sharing favorite memories of Archie. “Kids can be surprisingly wise when given the chance,” she said. “Acknowledge their feelings, and maybe even share that it’s okay to be sad and a little confused—grown-ups feel that way, too.”
The heartbreaking story struck a chord with people on Reddit, but West advised the Reddit user ensured they cut themselves some slack. “Give yourself the same compassion you’d give anyone else—and remember, chocolate helps,” she said.
Newsweek could not verify the details of this case.
