A sad puppy waits for her father to come home from the hospital by the door.

In April, Katie Snyder temporarily moved her dog, Leah, to her father’s house.

Leah appreciates not having to deal with her two canine siblings and having Snyder’s parents to herself. But you would never guess that based on her actions.

“Leah is not your typical dog,” Snyder explained to The Dodo. “She is incredibly self-sufficient and relaxed.”

“Leah loves all of her people in her own way,” she continued. “Whether it’s lying next to you during movie night or waiting outside the bathroom door until you’re done.”

Snyder could tell Leah was having a good time, but she had no idea how close the dog was to her father until their bond was tested.

Snyder’s parents had just returned from celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary when her father’s cancer returned. Snyder’s mother was unable to accompany him to the hospital due to the coronavirus.

Snyder’s mother arrived home alone, and it was clear she wasn’t the only one feeling distressed. Leah waited for her father to come home, head bowed, at the front door.

Snyder’s mother took a photo of the sad dog and sent it to her daughter, saying: “When she gave me the photo, I immediately burst into tears.” “It absolutely devastated me,” Snyder admitted. “I can tell how much [Leah] truly loved my father and how much I missed him.”

Snyder and Leah were thrilled when Snyder’s father came home the next day.

After witnessing how much her father’s absence affected her dog, Snyder decided to make Leah’s living situation permanent.

“She is the true definition of a dog when it comes to loyalty,” Snyder said. “He is now her human.”

She continued, explaining: “My mother was used to being kissed on the face by another female.”