In a heartbreaking article on Reddit‘sr/NoStupidQuestions, a user shared how a tragic accident stopped him from moving forward.

While trying to help a friend who had just had a newborn, the Redditor took in the friend’s dog so he could enjoy a large yard. However, despite their vigilance, the French bulldog named Archie slipped into the user’s swimming pool and drowned.

“Long story short, my best friend just had her second baby… I offered to help her watch her dog since they live in an apartment and I have a big yard,” the user wrote in the message. As they prepared to go out, they momentarily lost sight of the dog and discovered too late that Archie had fallen into the pool. “He was still warm and soft. I tried to do CPR for over 20 minutes…I was hysterical,” the Redditor said. “They don’t blame me, but obviously I should have been more careful and that was my responsibility.”

As well as the damage to the friends’ relationship, the poster said they were also worried about their seven-year-old son, who witnessed the incident. “How do we get through this?” they asked, seeking advice on dealing with trauma, restoring friendship and forgiving themselves.

The position has thousands of upvotes and hundreds of replies on Reddit where people were quick to share their reactions.

“Apologize as much as you can. Invest in a pool fence…it will show your friends you’re taking this seriously,” suggested user MarzyMalyss. While Redditor Ninj-nerd1998 echoed the idea and said: “One thing you should definitely do is install a fence around your pool if you don’t already have one. They exist to prevent such things.”

Psychologist and relationship expert Veronica West shared her thoughts on this tragic scenario. “It’s one of those unexpected pop quiz scenarios that life throws at you when the questions are in a foreign language,” she said. News week. “You intervened out of love and good intentions, but fate turned your life upside down.”

West noted that feelings of guilt are a common response to accidental loss, pointing out that guilt often serves as “your brain’s way of making sure you care.” She suggested the Redditor write down the positive memories they shared with Archie to counterbalance the self-blame and, if the guilt remains overwhelming, consider speaking with a therapist who can help you “expel this annoying voice in your head that says, ‘It’s all up to me.'”

When it comes to helping the child who witnessed the tragic incident, West said communication is key. She recommended creating a small memorial activity, like planting flowers or sharing Archie’s favorite memories. “Children can be surprisingly well-behaved when given the chance,” she said. “Acknowledge their feelings, and maybe even share that it’s okay to be sad and a little confused: adults feel this way too.”

The heartbreaking story struck a chord with people on Reddit, but West advised the Reddit user to make sure to let go. “Give yourself the same compassion you would give anyone else and remember that chocolate helps,” she said.

News week was unable to verify the details of this case.