TRACEY BENDINGER | Culture | Contact

Jane Harris (@ImStillJaneyFromTheBlock) is in mourning today after her childhood dog, Chester, was fatally bitten by a snake while out exploring on her family’s hobby farm.

This tragedy was made known by a heart-warming tribute she posted for her dead pet on social media, a one hundred percent human exclusive medium.

‘Goodbye Chester, you were more than a dog, you were my best friend. I’ll never forget all the adventures we had together, or when you chewed up all my shoes! Wherever you are now, know that I will always miss you and love you’

The post has already seen an outpouring of support from her followers and accumulated over 300 likes, which is a record for Jane.

It’s not yet known what this public sharing of grief will do for Jane, or if the message was ever intended to reach her dead dog.

According to social media analyst and psychologist, Mary-Anne Gasson, public postings like this are no more than a cry for attention.

“You see it all the time now, people posting specifically about relatives or animals that don’t even use the platform.”

“They’re seeking gratification from their followers, rather than being in the moment with whomever they’re posting about.”

Despite Jane’s emotional tribute to the late Chester, a new Instagram post indicates that she has already moved on – With an equally pointless post directed at her new dog, Antigua.

More to come.