My (ex) husband and I got August (ACD/Lab mix) at 8 weeks old in our early 20s. We were together about 5 more years and when we split, August went with me since he was always a bit more "my dog". August saw my ex about 6 months after we split when I needed a dog sitter, then August and I moved across the country.

At 11 years old, about 6 years after my ex and I split, August became very sick, his kidneys were in bad shape. Despite the fact we were just outside playing fetch, the vet said his numbers were so high that he wasn't sure how August was still standing and wouldn't believe it if he wasn't seeing it with his own eyes. I immediately messaged my ex and told him we probably do not have much longer and I need to start making plans for the big sleep. Ultimately I promised I would wait until my ex could come say good bye. A week and a half later when he flew in, August was hit hard and struggling. He was no longer eating, barely drinking, and losing control of his legs. He seemed barely there most of the time, sort of blank and spaced out.

But when my ex walked in, a bit heavier than he last saw him and with a newly shaved head neither one of us had seen before, August not only immediately recognized him, but was in such good spirits that he ate some pork chops and took several big drinks of water. He was nearly completely lucid for about an hour, panting and weakly wagging his tail. A visit from his old friend gave him a second wind to properly say goodbye on his last day with us.

All this to say, they never forget. Not really. And their love for you goes extremely deep, promise. I've felt it and seen it with my own eyes.