Right before 18-year-old Dylan Bliss officially graduated from high school, there was just one thing his mom wanted to do to commemorate this incredible milestone: recreate the picture that was taken on his first day of first grade.
And luckily for them, Dylan’s co-star in the original picture, the family’s dog Ruger, is still around to feature in the heartwarming throwback snap.
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Ruger has been a beloved, four-legged member of the Bliss family for more than a decade.
“We try to bring [Ruger] with us everywhere,” Dylan’s mom, Corie Bliss, told The Dodo . “He’s super loyal and loves his family.”
The pup is especially close with Dylan, who was just a little boy when Ruger was first introduced to the family. But of course, it didn’t take long for the pair to bond and become the best of friends.
Because he’s been with the family for so long, Ruger’s been there to experience just about every major milestone in Dylan’s life so far.
That includes all of his schooling milestones too, something which Dylan’s mom knew they needed to celebrate.
“I was looking at old pics, and came across Dylan’s first day of first grade pic with Ruger, when Ruger was a puppy,” Corie said. “I wanted to recreate the picture the night of his high school graduation.”
In the side-by-side shot, it’s certainly clear that although time has passed, Dylan’s love for Ruger has never changed.
“Lots of running mascara,” Corie said. “So many memories.”
She shared the photos on Facebook and added the heartfelt caption, “I’m an absolute emotional basket case, so happy Ruger has pulled through long enough to make it for Dyl’s graduation.”
For Dylan, being able to pose with his best friend for both pictures and to have had him by his side for so long is a privilege he doesn’t take lightly.
“Having Ruger with me throughout school was great,” he told The Dodo . “No matter what grade I was in, I always have memories of coming home and getting greeted by Ruger at the door.”
Despite his advanced age, the side-by-side photos prove that Ruger still has a light in his eyes and plenty of love in his heart. And dare I say, he looks pretty darn proud of his best pal for graduating from high school.
h/t: The Dodo , Facebook | Corie Bliss
