When something tragic happens, the smallest acts of kindness can shine the brightest.
That’s exactly what went down in Watts, Los Angeles, after a hit-and-run killed a man riding his bicycle—and left behind someone who was utterly devoted: his dog.
On August 18, a cyclist was fatally struck in Watts.
By all appearances, the dog stayed by his side, refusing to leave, refusing to believe.
He paced, howled, and watched over the spot where his owner fell.
The police, investigators, and bystanders tried to coax him away.
Still, he stayed.
Enter Alex Choi, a YouTuber who often covers local news and scenes.
Choi showed up, asked around, confirmed that the dog belonged to the man, likely homeless, and saw that the pup was lost—but not ready to abandon the one person he trusted most.
To Choi, that dog wasn’t just a lost animal; he was someone’s best friend.
Taking the risk, Choi got a leash around the dog—who initially resisted, likely confused or in mourning.
It isn’t every day a dog sees a stranger trying to help. At first, he may have thought it was another danger.
But Choi was persistent, gentle, firm.
He lifted the dog into his car, and the dog howled. Not in panic. Not in fear. In grief. It was a howl that told a story.
Neighbors said the dog would try to return to the scene overnight.
He chewed through a door trying to get back to what he thought was home.
Choi, realizing this, put up flyers, searched the neighborhood, used drones with thermal cameras—just to make sure the dog was safe and could be cared for.
For now, Choi is calling him “Dog,” because no one has come forward to claim him—and because sometimes, love starts even without a name.
Choi already has three dogs; he’s fostering this fourth, hoping someone who truly cares can adopt him and offer the kind of forever that match the loyalty he showed.
The dog is being cleaned up, fed, given affection, and allowed to rest.
Choi noted that “chicken is his go-to,” a small detail but a big sign of comfort in a world that had recently betrayed him.
Also, Dog seems responsive to Spanish. For example, commands like “siéntate” (sit) or “mano” (paw) are met with recognition.
That might hint at understanding, past routines, or simply a heart that wants to learn.
What stands out isn’t just that this dog was rescued. It’s why and how.
He stayed, despite loss, despite fear. He lingered beside something human had left.
And someone showed up who saw him—not as a stray, not as an object of pity—but as a friend worth saving.
Sometimes tragedy ends lives.
But this story—this one gives someone a chance to keep loving.
To heal. To remember that loyalty exists, not despite loss, but through it.
And sometimes all it takes is one person to step in, leash in hand, to say: “You are not alone.”
