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Woman jogging with her dog bring comfort to grieving 6-year-old girl at father's funeral
Emily stopped when she heard a tiny voice that said, "Can I pet your puppy?"
Rebecca Reid
06.08.21

Somehow dogs just know when people are hurting.

This was the case for a very special girl by the name of Raelynn Nast. Raelynn was devastated by the loss of her father to colon cancer. Thanks to one very special dog and its owner, she was about to have her spirits lifted.

Raelynn’s father, John David ‘Davey’ Nast Jr., was her hero. She was so proud of her dad and wanted everyone to meet him all the time. Her mom, Lacey, knew how much her dad meant to her.

“She was always a daddy’s girl…she was very proud of her dad and always wanted to introduce her dad to just about anybody.”

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

Davey’s death at just 41 was traumatic for the family. Lacey remembers the moment she had to tell Raelynn that her daddy had passed.

“It was a cry that was…pure heartbreak.” – Lacey Nast

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

How does a young child get over losing their parent?

It is difficult to imagine but with a little help from loved ones and sometimes perfect strangers…and their pets, anything is possible.

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

Raelynn volunteered to greet mourners outside the McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood, Arkansas.

It was then that she spotted Emily Beineman and her dog, Blue, out for a run.

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

Emily stopped when she heard a tiny voice.

“She said, ‘can I pet your puppy’?” – Emily

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

Emily told Raelynn that she could pet her dog as long as it was ok with her parents. Raelynn’s reply was heartwrenching.

“Oh, my parents aren’t out here. My mom’s inside, and my daddy died. We are at his funeral.”

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

Emily was about to say something but before she could speak, her dog Blue walked right up to the little girl and sat down next to her. Raelynn immediately gave Blue a big hug and would not let go.

Raelynn shocked everyone by inviting Emily in to meet her dad.

“I asked her if she wanted to come in and see my dad.” – Raelynn

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

Raelynn’s wishes wouldn’t go unanswered.

Although Emily wasn’t actually dressed for a funeral she agreed to go in because she knew how important it was for Raelynn.

“(Raelynn) showed me the beautiful bouquet of flowers that surrounded his casket and told me how pretty she thought everything looked.” – Emily Beineman Facebook

Today while on our daily run a little girl was outside the funeral home & yelled “may I pet your puppy?” I smiled & said…

Posted by Emily Beineman onMonday, April 19, 2021

“She then asked if me and Blue would stay for a few more minutes. She wanted to pet Blue a little more. So we did.”

Raelynn’s aunt and uncle whispered to Emily:

“I think God led you & Blue over here today for a reason… Blue’s love & gentleness that she has shown her has touched our hearts.”

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

Lacey, Raelynn’s mom couldn’t get over the instant friendship.

“Everyone was kind of looking around like where did she come from and she came in right next to Ray like they’d known each other for so long. There was that connection there.” – Raelynn’s mom

YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS Evening News

“She helped me feel better…by her kindness” – Raelynn

Thanks to Blue and Emily, one of Raelynn’s toughest moments had a silver lining all thanks to a big lab named Blue.

“(Blue) has this overwhelming calmness about her that is indescribable,” – Emily

They got together again and planned to stay friends forever.

Now watch their extraordinary encounter.

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