It’s understandable to be worried when our pets appear to be sick or injured. We want to ensure their well-being and take them to the vet as soon as possible. However, one man’s concern for his dog took an unexpected turn when he realized that his dog was more worried about him.

Russell Jones, a London resident, broke his ankle last year and found himself in a cast, relying on crutches to get around. To his surprise, his 8-year-old lurcher named Billy started limping shortly after his injury. Concerned about his dog’s condition, Russell took Billy to the vet, resulting in a costly £300 appointment ($400+ USD), including scans and x-rays. However, the vet found nothing wrong with Billy’s foot.

To add to the mystery, Billy resumed his limping as soon as they returned home. It wasn’t until Russell’s wife, Michelle, witnessed Billy sprinting around the garden in his absence that they realized the truth: Billy was only pretending to limp out of sympathy for his owner while he was on crutches.

This surprising display of empathy from Billy reminds us of the thoughtful and caring nature of dogs. When Russell couldn’t move around normally, Billy decided to “limp” alongside him in a show of solidarity. Russell shared a video of Billy limping next to him, explaining the situation and expressing his love for his canine companion. Despite the costly medical expenses, the video has gone viral, with most people finding it heartwarming rather than deceptive.

“He’s a very caring dog,” Michelle shared with ITV, affirming Billy’s loving nature. Although Billy may accumulate medical bills, he is the type of loving dog that anyone would want by their side.