To anyone who’s never had a dog: believe me, they have the same soul as we do—just in a different body. When my dogs passed away, I felt their souls leaving. It was devastating. That kind of love never leaves you. Recently, tragedy struck when James William “Will” Warner, a 22-year-old from Shelbyville, Tennessee, was found shot and killed. His girlfriend was also shot but survived with serious injuries.
Will’s mother, Christy Warner, described the moment she found out as a total collapse: “My whole world was broken into a million pieces.” Will was remembered as full of life and deeply loved. His family didn’t even get a chance to say a proper goodbye due to how sudden everything happened. “We were robbed of every bit of closure,” Christy said.
He was buried at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, surrounded by grieving loved ones—but one moment touched everyone the most. His loyal dog, Ace, laid on the fresh grave, refusing to leave his best friend’s side. That image said everything: dogs love us with a loyalty that goes beyond life itself. Will and Ace shared a deep bond—one that even death couldn’t break.
His uncle, Tennessee state Rep. Todd Warner, called it a senseless tragedy: “It’s a tragic end to something that never should’ve happened.” Rest in peace, Will. You were loved deeply—especially by Ace, who never left your side.
This story reminds us just how powerful the love of a dog can be. All they want is a home—and they will stay loyal until the very end.