An online trend is inspiring people to use Google Maps to locate their childhood homes and relive old memories. For Becky Turner, however, this search turned into a touching moment to reconnect with her beloved dog.

When the 29‑year‑old looked up her family home in Connecticut, where her family still lives today, she made an unexpected discovery.

A viral post explains that Becky found a touching surprise on the 2011 Google Maps imagery of the house – her sweet childhood dog was still happily running through the front yard!

"The discovery brought me to instant tears. I was already feeling emotional from the nostalgia of seeing my little sister on her bike, our cat Sparky, and the magnolia tree that used to be in the front yard that we climbed as kids," Becky told People.

Dogs Dog stumbles into a dollar store all alone – when workers get a closer look, they are heartbroken

"I was so surprised that the shot of him was as perfect as it was."

The golden retriever Sonny died in 2018 at the age of nine from an advanced cancer that could no longer be treated.

The 29‑year‑old recalled the period after the devastating diagnosis vividly. Together with her family, she tried to make her beloved four‑legged friend’s final days as comfortable as possible before saying goodbye.

Today, years later, the Google image gave her new comfort and tender memories of her former pet.

Speaking to the site, she explained that she had grown up with the dog and he was always by her side – whether after school, playing outside, or cuddling in the evenings.

"Something about seeing a new photo of him that I didn’t know existed made him feel alive for a moment," Becky said.

"It was a new experience with him that I got to have, and that made it feel really special. Even after death, I’m still discovering that he finds ways to tell me he is around."

Becky has never forgotten Sonny – her bond to him even shows up in her work.

Today she’s a tattoo artist, often creating very personal designs that honor the special connection between people and their pets.

"I tattoo a lot of dog portraits and pets in general. Sometimes paw prints, or something symbolic," she said.

Dogs These 30 dogs were rescued truly abhorrent conditions!

"It’s reassuring to know that animals impact other people so deeply, too, and I’m so happy I can help memorialize and heal people who have lost their fur buddies."

Even though Sonny no longer lives in her parents’ house, she still visits her family regularly.

Now the golden retriever Brody – a distant relative of Sonny from the same breeder – looks after her.

"I believe that dogs only live so long because they are here to teach us, and when the job is done, they can rest. A dog is only a portion of our life, but we are their whole life," Becky explained.

"We should try to make it as fulfilling as possible for them, and be happy for the moments we shared together, and the memories made along the way."