He loyal and resilient dog that stays with the owner when he is sick makes people around him emotional when he sees these beautiful and touching images.
That is why we weren’t surprised to hear about a loyal dog named Magnus. When his human, Brian Benson, went into the hospital, Magnus did something that was above and beyond.
As shared on Instagram, Benson was ha
That is why we weren’t surprised to hear about a loyal dog named Magnus. When his human, Brian Benson, went into the hospital, Magnus did something that was above and beyond.
As shared on Instagram, Benson was having a difficult time breathing and went to the ER. They kept them for three nights, trying to determine what was wrong.
Magnus comforts his ailing owner, Brain Benson, in the hospital in late January 2023. (Courtesy of Brian Benson and magnusthetherapydog)
If you’ve ever spent time in the hospital alone, you realize it can be stressful. That is especially true when you don’t know the problem and are just waiting to hear what you expect to be bad news.
During all that time, Magnus stayed right there with him and gave him some relief. He also was there with his young daughters.
Brian Benson, his family, and Magnus enjoying time together in the outdoors. (Courtesy of Brian Benson and magnusthetherapydog)
On Instagram, Benson shared that he had gone into the emergency room and hoped it was nothing, but it turned out it was potentially serious. His family wasn’t allowed in after visiting hours, but Magnus could stay the entire time.
Magnus and Brian Benson during his stay in the hospital in late January 2023. (Courtesy of Brian Benson and magnusthetherapydog)
Magnus is a task-trained service dog, and the six-year-old yellow labrador retriever knew how to care for his human. He and Benson are a team, and they often visit terminally ill patients and grieving families to comfort them.
In this case, Magnus was providing comfort for Brian. They had adopted him as a family pet, but when they saw how easy it was for him to take care of the people in the family, they had Magnus trained as a therapy dog.
In the end, Benson was over-thrilled that he had Magnus there by his side. He also learned that he had cardiomyopathy, which means his heart is not working as well as it could.
Benson shared the story on social media and videos of his dog sleeping next to him. He also showed how the dog kept his daughters company during difficult times.
Magnus became more than just a source of comfort during those nights in the hospital—he was a symbol of unwavering loyalty and emotional strength for the entire family. His presence not only helped Benson through the long hours of uncertainty but also brought peace of mind to his daughters, who were understandably anxious about their father’s condition. Whenever the girls felt overwhelmed, Magnus would curl up beside them, gently resting his head on their laps or nudging them for cuddles. It was as if he knew exactly what they needed without anyone saying a word.
The videos Benson posted online quickly began to gain traction. People from around the world left heartfelt comments, sharing their admiration for Magnus and offering support to Benson’s family. Some wrote about their own experiences with therapy dogs, while others simply expressed how moved they were by Magnus’s devotion. One commenter wrote, “Magnus is a true angel in fur. The world needs more souls like his.” Another added, “Watching him take care of your girls and you—it’s just the kind of love that words can’t describe.”
As Benson continued to recover and process his diagnosis, he made it a priority to raise awareness about the power of therapy animals. He emphasized how Magnus was not just helpful physically but emotionally and mentally as well. Benson noted in a later post, “The hospital gave me medicine, but Magnus gave me hope.”
After being discharged, Benson faced new challenges at home. Adjusting to life with cardiomyopathy required him to slow down and prioritize his health, which wasn’t easy for a previously active father and community figure. Yet through every step, Magnus remained his faithful companion. Whether it was a slow walk around the neighborhood or resting on the couch during a rough day, Magnus never left his side.
Friends, neighbors, and even strangers who had followed their story online began stopping by to meet the dog they had come to admire. Children from the neighborhood would wave when they saw Magnus outside, and local schools invited Benson to speak about the importance of emotional support animals. During one school visit, Magnus sat calmly as Benson shared his story. The students listened intently, and when they were invited to pet Magnus, the line stretched out the door.
In the months that followed, Benson started a small community initiative in his town. He called it “Magnus Moments,” aimed at connecting therapy animals with people in hospitals, nursing homes, and grief centers. The idea was simple: let more people experience the healing presence that he and his family had been blessed with. Magnus became the face of the movement—his soft eyes and calm demeanor making him an instant favorite everywhere he went.
One particularly emotional visit was to a children’s hospital where Magnus gently approached a young boy recovering from surgery. The boy hadn’t spoken much since being admitted, but when Magnus laid beside him, the child whispered, “Doggy stay?” The boy’s mother teared up immediately. It was the first words he’d spoken in days. That moment was captured in a photo Benson later shared, writing: “Magnus continues to teach me that healing doesn’t always come from medicine—it often comes from love.”
Back at home, Benson and his daughters made it a daily ritual to talk about the day’s “Magnus Moment.” Whether it was something as small as the dog making them laugh or a walk that helped clear their minds, it became a way to stay grounded in gratitude. The family grew even closer through it all, bonded not only by the challenges they had faced but also by the light Magnus brought into their lives.
As the anniversary of his hospital stay approached, Benson reflected in a long Instagram post about how far they had come. He expressed deep gratitude—not only for Magnus but also for the community that rallied behind them. “It’s incredible how one dog can change your life,” he wrote. “Magnus has reminded me to slow down, to appreciate the now, and to keep moving forward even when things feel uncertain.”
The post went viral, receiving thousands of likes and shares. Many readers commented that they had adopted or fostered animals after reading about Magnus. Others shared stories of their own healing journeys, inspired by Benson’s courage and Magnus’s love.
Looking ahead, Benson hopes to write a book about their journey together. Tentatively titled “Magnus: More Than a Dog,” the book would explore themes of healing, resilience, and the silent strength found in the loyalty of a beloved pet. He wants others going through tough times to know they’re not alone—and that sometimes, comfort comes in the form of a warm nose and a wagging tail.
Magnus, now seven years old, shows no signs of slowing down. He still makes regular visits to hospitals and community centers, his calm energy offering a sense of peace wherever he goes. Benson often jokes that Magnus has become a local celebrity—and it’s true. People stop him on the street to ask about Magnus, to pet him, or to share how their lives were touched by his story.
In many ways, Magnus represents the best of what animals can bring into our lives: love without condition, loyalty without limits, and comfort when it’s needed most. Through his journey with Brian Benson, Magnus has shown the world that healing is not just about medicine—it’s about connection, empathy, and unwavering companionship.
And while no one can predict the future, one thing remains certain: wherever life takes them, Magnus and Benson will face it side by side, proving time and again that sometimes, the greatest strength lies in the gentlest of souls.
