Denali - a tribute to man's best friend [OFFICIAL VIDEO] 

“It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.”..... thank you and blessings

8 years later and I still come back here to grieve Denali and now my first baby Yoda. No matter how many times I rewatch this, I still cry and a complete mess. I like to think that these same spoken thoughts from Denali are the same thoughts of my Yoda when he passed. There's something so different about losing a dog you've loved since they were born. An unspoken love and tie that no one can put into words but you and them.

I come back to this vid every now and then. Still hits me in the gut after all these years.

The reason why there are 23 dislikes is because those 23 people had tears in their eyes and couldn't tell which button was the like button. That has to be the only logical explanation.

i cry every single time i watch this video

My wife battled cancer for 5 years before it took her life. Our Lab Was with my wife for those 5 years of chemo. I recently had to put him down. It was almost as difficult as losing my wife. There was not a better dog for my wife. He brought peace and comfort to her during her most painful time. I hope he is with her now. All my love to my wife. And to Beau. I will see you two soon.

If there are no dogs in heaven then, when I die, I want to go where they went. --Will Rogers

I made the mistake of watching this at work on my lunch break. When I got to the part “When someone you love walks through the door, even if it happens five times a day, you should go totally insane with joy.” I just broke down into tears. Not a cool thing for your co-workers to see, especially if you are a fifty-something year old man. But that quote fit our dog Penny to a tee. We lost her last April, and I'm still not over it. No matter how bad my day was, I knew I had Penny's welcome to look forward to when I got home. And that always made everything better. Now I have a new pup, Zenobia. And she is the same way. It's like I got our Penny back and am getting a do-over. First thing I do is hug my dog when I get home. Everyone else can wait their turn.

I like dogs more than people

This was me, in April of 2013. A cold water surfer in Washington who took my yellow lab Max with me everywhere in my Tacoma. He died from kidney disease and 3 years later I still lose it from time to time. I could have a bad day at work and he would always be excited to see me. a fight with my gf? He'd always bury his head in my lap to let me know it would be ok. Goddamn I miss him.

I'm a veterinarian and surprisingly for 20 years never owned a dog. When I had to euthanize someones pet it was a sad time but I was always surprised at the depth of sadness their owners felt. That was until I got a dog of my own! He is my world, luckily for me he is still a young 'un so hopefully will have him for many more years, but just watching the first few minutes of this film had me bawling! I can't imagine life without him. My eyes have truly been opened. This was a great, great tribute to mans best friend. RIP Denali.

I just had to put my dog down this morning...had him for 15 years. I had him since I was 8 years old..being 23 years now it's hard to see him gone. We grew up together,he was one of the toughest little dogs I've ever met. I thought maybe there was a way to save him,but...on the car ride there,I held him and watched him look out the window,one of this favorite things too do,but..he kept looking at the sky. That's when I knew...he was ready too go. I know they can't live forever...but it doesn't make it any easier. RIP Rusty...you we're always my rotten little monkey..

This is the truest form of love and friendship I have ever seen.

"There was this really smart scientist guy who said that people can learn a lot from dogs. He said that when someone you love walks through the door, even if it happens five times a day, you should go totally insane with joy." Best line of the whole video in my opinion

I loved a man once, and I adored his dog, Wilson, who adored me back.. The man didn't love me, so we parted. Funny, I don't really miss him, but I still cry for Wilson.

When i was 10, at school I had a strange feeling that my dog had just died, a wave of emotion that was not much really, just different. Never thought about it rest of the day. Mum picked me up in the car and she said "Sorry son, got some bad news to tell you"...I blurted out that I knew, Husky had died and I started crying and didnt stop till I got home. Tis funy how you develop a relationship with a dog that can't (literally) talk to you, yet you know everything he says and him too. 50 years on and I still get a lump in my throat thinking about him. Films like this just choke me up something rotten and I love it, makes me feel alive again inside.

Five years after I first saw this- it’s still my favourite short film. Beautiful on so many levels. Thanks for making it.

I watched this in 2015. I thought I wont be crying in 2020.....

I was so touched by this film, especially after losing my brother this year to pancreatic cancer and our dog watched over my brother when he would rest in the living room. Mikey the Greyhound would follow my brother outside in the heat and he hates the heat, but he knew he had a job to watch over my brother when I wasn't in the room. Dogs are so amazing an Denali was just as incredible.

I just had to put my doggy down last night. Thank you for this video. I am supposed to be the strong one in my house so I can't tell anyone that I know, just how much it hurts that I held her head as she took her last breath. Somehow, telling a bunch of random strangers online seems to help so, thank you.

literally sitting here crying at work in front of everyone. the fact that it ended with odesza just took my soul..

Every dog deserves a tribute video like this. Beautifully done.

I've always rescued every animal I saw in need but after the death of my son my beautiful boy I was rescued by a pack of 12 amazing dogs. I needed them and we're our family now, we're doing life together day by day! Pack Strong In Love 💕

I usually dont write post, bust this is strong story. Dog is the best friend then people, becuase people have feelings and they stop if its enough, but dog goes on ! Dogs are more to me than people.

Amazing. I just hug and kissed my dog for the last hour.

I watch this every few months, and I unconditonally cry for what you went through, not only surviving cancer but having to say the ulitmate goodbye to a best friend. My guy is 13 and I worry about the day I will have to do what you had to do with Denali What a beautifully inspiring story, and thank you for sharing your love & joy. All my love!

OMG this tore my heart right out of my body.

I lost my best friend, my heart, my soul. I lost everything two years ago when she left. We spent ten years together, and Abril touched everybody's life. Whenever people wanted to feel loved or to feel understood, they came to her to hug her or just talk to her. She just sat there, listening in complete silence, looking at them. When I had no one, she was there. She was always there. And I know she will always be. So when we knew she had terminal cancer, she let us know when it was time, when she needed to rest from so many years of just giving. Giving everything she had to everyone. You can't even imagine how special she was to the whole world. She is my angel, and will always be my guardian. The friendship and love will remain alive. I'm making sure to be happy, to love limitless, to go insane with joy whenever I get the chance. That's my way to honor her memory. She just wanted to make me happy, and I'm trying so hard to make her proud of me. That's my goal in life: spread her. She was love. So that's what I do: I spread her everywhere. She lives in me and I won't let her die as another memory in life. Because she IS my life. Wherever you are, buddy, my love. I love you. Thank you for making this awesome video. I could relate to it so much. You are so strong, and the friendship you share is so pure that it brought tears of pure joy to my eyes. Thank you so so much for sharing your story.

Too beautiful for words, Ben. Thank you. My wife and I have a saying: "Dogs are people, too, only kinder."

Is it normal to cry so hard that you throw up? This was so beautiful. But so sad. I hate crying. Thank you, Ben-for sharing Denali with us. 😪🐾

This video is such a wonderful tribute. My dog was there with me through my own colon cancer chemo treatments. At the beginning of July he started to not act right. He failed so quickly, after 4 days in ICU at the vets, I took him home. I was hoping he'd start eating, but I knew it was the end, and I really didn't want his last night to be in a cold kennel at the vet's. I slept with him all night, feeling the tremors, the ragged breaths, Hugging my best friend, my guide close. In the morning my friend drove us to the vets office one last time. He was gone within seconds of the vet starting the injection. Even though we didn't travel like you guys did. being a guide dog, he went every where with me. I feel lost. I feel alone.

I watched this video a million times & cried a million times after I had my dog put to sleep.

How can some one dislike this video?

My dog died just 3 days ago. I had him for 16yrs. I really miss him...

I just lost my animal spirit soulmate and have been crying so hard but watching this video made me feel at peace ❤️

best thing on the internet right here

I miss my best friend. She never knew she had grown old even when I had to carry her up and down the stairs because her wobbly, arthritic legs couldn't do it anymore. It was all worth it. I wish we could have continued growing older together. Fifteen years was just not long enough. She will forever remain the most beautiful dog and my most faithful friend until the end. My smiling girl...

Bless you good people for keeping Denali's memory alive. My dog is sitting next to me trying to figure out why I am sobbing. When I can talk I will hug him and explain. He understands more than people think he does. RIP Denali. Warm hug Ben.

We had to put our dog down today. His name was Axel, an American bulldog putbull mix. He loved everyone, he couldn't hurt anything even if he tried. He brought smiles to everyone he met. He died in our arms, he looked like he was sleeping. He was such a good dog. Such a good dog.

I have a friend like this too. His name is Zip and it scares the life out of me thinking about these days and when they come. My dog is truly my soul.

I've watched this beautiful video 9 times in 3 days. I haven't enjoyed a film this much in so long. I was afraid to watch it, knowing it would be a tear jerker. I literally couldn't catch my breath due to crying so hard! So many beautiful moments and words. The beautiful places, Denali narrating, his dog humor, his love for Ben, his gratitude, his loyalty, his reminiscing, his devotion, his knowing he was loved so much! It's pure love. I've gone through the grieving of losing a special pet. And it's honestly the hardest thing I've ever been through. With this film, I'm not struck so much from the loss, I'm struck by the incredible love Denali and Ben shared and how it was made so I could witness it. It's a beautiful story of a beautiful bond that I know doesn't happen everyday, sometimes not ever! Fly high Denali. And yes, you are very handsome. Both you and Ben have a permanent home in my heart.

I cried at this video a lot. I felt a great sense of sadness and joy and peace all at the same time. Until something touched my knee. It was my dog Quentin, of course, resting his little face on my leg as he always does when I cry.

I watch this every few months. I know it's true: "Every time your friend comes through the door, rejoice madly." Life and love are all that matter. Thank you Ben. Thank you Denali.

I lost my best friend of 10 years only 2 weeks ago and it is the most unimaginable pain I've ever gone through. Wonderful video. RIP Denali I hope Riley has gotten to meet you up in dog heaven.

Amazing tribute Sir, I wish more people would remember stories like this when their dogs are locked up for hours on hours. They dont understand that you are all that animal has, they are never mad at you they are never upset with you. Love you pets they wont be around forever.

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. - Josh Billings

This video helped me with my grief 8 years ago, and today I just sent it to a friend to help with her grief. Thank you Ben.

So many years later I still find myself coming back to watch this beautiful film. It gets me every single time 😢

Had to bury our family's 10 yr dog today. My father in law was putting up a tough front but I knew it was hard on him. Told him to watch this video, even though it gets me everytime, because it does help me know that dogs do love us and appreciate our love we give them. Truly man's best friend

Thank you Ben. What a beautiful tribute and gives me some strength to go through the next few years with my 18 yr old pup Nico as she is starting to wind down.

IM back here today because I lost my sweet girl and I thought of this for comfort truth and support it still hits me like when it did when I first saw it years ago now, and to help me with my loss today I thank you very much

I commented on this 6 years ago. I still watch it. Such a beautiful tribute to love between a human and their dog. I am so grateful for mine every single day. Never could’ve imagined the first time I commented, when he was 8 months old, and now almost 8 years old, how I’ve become even more bonded with him. He’s my best friend. I’ve spent all these years building such a strong relationship with him. I took him to training school where I got certified as a dog trainer. They told me I had “a lot of balls” bringing a Nordic dog into a training certification, but we left as the top tracking team, in the top of our class, and with an unbreakable bond. Shortly after that, he was with me through the complete uprising then degradation of an abusive marriage, divorce, loss of my business, loss of my whole identity, my rebuilding and all the other highs and lows since... I never take a single day for granted with him, because he’s been the best friend I’ve ever had. We seem to have formed this unspoken language between us at this point too. I don’t really know how to explain it, but he’s the “once in a lifetime” dog that people talk about. There may be others, but he’s always going to be the most special. I hate to think that he will leave me, and it’s sad, but I love this tribute you made. It makes me cry but I still watch it every now and again to remind me of what really matters through all the bullshit. To go crazy with joy for all that you love. Thank you 🙏

So beautiful thank you so much for sharing

i come back to this video every now and then when i want a good cry. it’s still beautiful, six years later

I have watched this every single year for about 7 years. Each time my soul aches and my eyes are flooded. A very, very special film that I will never forget for the rest of my life.

This is the best pet memorial ever. I cry ever time I see it because I had such a similar journey with my dog. This was so beautifully filmed and edited. A million kudos for making this!

Ive seen this video many o' times and everytime wouldnt ya know it....im cutting onions. The irony. Us pet parents is all they know and we can never appreciate enough (or should at least) the amount of insane joy they express when seeing us after any length of time be it ten mins or ten hours. Ben Moon thank you again kindly of reminding everyone what a gift the love of a dog is truly. And the love they show in their relatively short lives outnumbers the amount of love of a thousand loving people.

Very touching tribute to a beloved pet. Very creative to narrate the story from the dog's perspective. It's beautiful the way the dog responds to Ben, and how Ben shows love and affection for Denali until the very end. Not only a touching tribute, but also a valuable lesson in how to do a truly touching documentary in a very creative way.

I love that the nurses let him keep his dog in his room with him. That, friends, is patient-centered care.

Dear Ben... I am in New Zealand and have just finished reading Denali, on the first day of 2021 with my senior canine snoring with complete lack of grace on the floor beside my bed. The sound of her snoring is what I will miss most, especially how it makes me sleep knowing how filled with love I am because of her. I survived a motorbike crash 10 years ago with a broken neck, back and reconstructed leg in thanks to my two dogs, Kujo my white German Shepherd who passed 2 years ago to bone cancer, and Beanie, my Beardie Collie Cross who is approaching 14 years old and is recovering from surgery for mast cell tumors. You have inspired me to finally write that book as a tribute to my two friends, who have helped me do life on my own for a total span of 14 years. And as I look to my old girl now, I know she is close to letting me know she is tired now, but she has also hung in there to make sure I am strong enough to continue without her. It took me 10 years to rebuild my life, but I finally have and she stayed with me until I was safe again. Thank you for your story, for sharing Denali with the world, and for helping me to understand I am now ready to share my story, the one that I am about to start writing again when Beanie gives me that last lick on my face after we sit at the beach watching the sun rise, she'll share a vodka with me there just as kujo did too at sunset. Forever grateful, Katie-Jane Bowen, New Zealand

One of the most inspirational videos I have seen on the bond between humans and canines. My face gets soaked with tears, every time I watch it. Thank you for creating this video.

This has to be my favorite video on RU-vid. I always hold my mini Schnauzer close when I watch it.

A beautiful tribute. I have loved and said goodbye to five beautiful souls over the past 25 years. The pain of holding your doggy pal in their last moments is nothing compared to the pure joy of their company through the years. Denali had a full and loving life. Thanks Ben.

3 years back my wife decided we were getting a dog , decision made . That was one of the best things she's ever done for me , for us . Our dog Cali has been with us through thick and thin and always remained close . She knows when I'm upset , having a rough day , anxious , sad .. She always remains close . Thanks for the story Ben , absolutely beautiful .

I wish my dog could've had a peaceful story like this but his life was cut short. He had major behaviour problems with strangers and my mom said that we could give him to the breeder we got him from or put him down. One day I came home from school and he didn't come up running and crying to see me and I asked my mom where he was and she put him down when I was at school. I didn't get to say goodbye or anything and I could feel my heart break in two. You're lucky you got to spend a full life with Denali.

I've been watching this video for years and I still cry just as hard every time. It's so beautiful. 🥹😭

8 years…if you want a cry, this is where you get it. Absolutely awesome. What a tribute.

i loved the quote about if you love someone and they walk the through the door 5 times a day you should go insane with joy every time. why in the world don't we do that? dogs are truly the best creatures on earth i think--the way that love is so important to them, their human/pack. i am a cat person now, but still recogize the wonder of dogs. touching tribute--just right, not sappy, but heart touching. how does someone do a thumbs down on this?

The most beautiful, heartfelt story of love and devotion I've ever seen! Absolutely beautiful.

I am the mom to 4 rescue dogs. I am crying now.

I watch this often! It hits me every time and makes me think of my fur babies that have passed on and how much I love and miss them!

Ben Moon, You gave your Denali so many adventures, his heart was completely full. Your video was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I think you spoke from a dog's perspective in the best possible way. I'll never forget this video or you and Denali jumping from the cliff and sailing in the desert. Our loving companions stay with us even after they're gone, don't they?

Not going to lie. I cried..a lot. I buried my best friend July 8th of this year. She was such a great dog. I hurt more over losing my dogs than relatives. I love you Abbey, I will see you again one day.

I've cried a lot when I read about the history. Have researched and was even touched. Now I see it and my feelings slay me. You are a good person. Thanks for such a love for an animal ...

Just viewed this today, six months later for the first time. Hopefully Ben has healed both physically and emotionally. Beautiful story of love.

After 7 years still the most beautiful video on RU-vid. I never make it through without crying. So much love

Ben, I just lost my dog and I am hurting sooooo much inside. It aches, his stuff is still here and I am working through it. I love him so much. I dont even want to open my car window doors because his hairs will fly out. Someone close to me just lost their dog as well a week ago prior to mine. I am going to send this to him because it helped me let some of it out. There is an emptiness in me right now that I cannot explain to someone else. But, I felt a lot of it in this video. Thank you

Dear Denali, thank you for being a friend to your buddy. Thank you for your unconditional love, and your trust. Having seen this, I regain confidence in life. You enlighten my day, although I saw you just for some minutes. Greetings from my Heart! Christian

Sometimes I come back to watch, just as a reminder to go totally insane with joy, every time my dog greets me at the door, even if it happens 5 times a day.

To this day, I get excited every time I walk in the front of my home and see my wife, kids and pets- because of this film. Beautiful work. Thank you!

This is beautiful and amazing. Rest in peace Denali💖

Wow... No dry eyes in this one... Great Tribute! I am also hoping you are doing well... My Wife of 36 years has 4th stage Breast, Bone and Lung Cancer... I lay awake nights hoping somehow a power greater than me could take me and heal her...

I've watched 100's of youtube videos. This was the best one ever.

damn, I'm stilling balling, for those that never had a dog in there lives, will never comprehend what genuine love truly is, man.. R.I.P. Denali, peace and love Ben, keep being a free spirit brother. much love.😞👍🤙

I've watched this a few times and every time I ball like a baby, I love my dogs so much. They've saved me many times over emotionally thru a divorce, addiction and many other "bumps" in the road. Their unwavering loyalty and love cannot be duplicated. Thank you Dakota, Pepper and Princess may you live forever

This short film resonates in more ways than I can explain. There is no bond like the one with our K9 best friends... just complete unconditional love

What an absolutely beautiful tribute to your best friend. RIP Denali ❤

This video left such an impression on me 8 years ago. I got my own first dog around when this came out, I still have her and I take her everywhere with me. We go to the beach, we go to national parks, we go to different states when we get the opportunity. She's getting older now, and while she has plenty of life left in her... you never know how long they'll be able to walk that extra mile along the beach. Never know how long they'll be able to scale and climb rocks, or fallen trees, or enjoy their favorite waterfall spot. Dogs are just something amazing. I'm glad I'm able to come back here and watch this again, Denali made waves.

I saw this video a year ago and thought it was sooooo well done. It certainly was a tear jerker then. It made me reflect on my dog, who was 11 at the time, and my soul mate. Well, last week it finally happened and I, too, had to make that decision to let him go with God. Today I returned to watch this video for inspiration about making a tribute video to my dog. Its very hard to deal with this loss, but a very wise man told me last week - "They deserve the piece of you they take with them". So true.

Great film guys... only now, whenever I hear "It's Only" by ODESZA, my eyes start welling up with tears. Everyone at the climbing gym is like "what's wrong with that guy?" Thanks a lot.

Just beautiful and so well done. So many tears. Ben I hope you and Nori are doing well.

It is apparent that Denali had a wonderful life. He was a very beautiful dog, just like he said😉. As an animal lover, thank you Ben, for giving him an amazing life.

I would die to give Ben My heart that he can life :'(

Didn’t know I’d be shedding tears at 10 AM this morning. So well done, I can’t even describe the amount of passion this ignited & love, thanks for sharing!

It's difficult to make me Cry over a video, but all of a sudden it started raining in my room, and just on my face.. that's my story and I'm sticking to it...RiP Sweet Boy..

I lost my everything two days ago to Cancer. He went from a perfectly healthy pup to all of the sudden stage 4 cancer. Enzo was my travel buddy and brought him everywhere with me. For all of us who lost our best friend, stay strong and we will see them again in the next after life. ✌🏻️

Only my opinion, nothing I can prove and not even sure I would want to. I believe God loans them to us for a short time to teach us more about love. RIP Denali and peace to you and yours Ben.

This makes me cry everytime I watch it but the love is so pure I'll watch it everytime I come across it. 💜

Oh my god... Only a few people can feel what its like to struggle for your life... Surfing is a changing experience for ones life.. So is the relationship with a dog... 7 minutes full of life's meaning...

I lost my best friend Odegaard after 12 years 2 weeks ago, just got his ashes back yesterday, i can take him back to his favourite places one last time, wonderful journey we had together.