Photo of a man with empty stroller is spread all over the world, for a very wonderful reason

When we spot a stroller in the park, the first thing that comes to mind is children, alongside proud parents out for some fresh air or running an errand.

It’s the most natural thing in the world and nothing unusual.

But this picture will change your expectations forever. The image was captured by a jogger and posted on Facebook; little did the jogger know the effect it would have on those who saw it.

The photo shows a man standing by the stroller — but there was no baby in it.

The jogger was news channel KHOU.com Digital Producer Doug Delony who spotted the man in Houston’s Discovery Green.

He’d noticed the man on numerous occasions and couldn’t quite work out what he was doing with a stroller and no baby.

When he realized it, he had to snap a picture and share it on his Facebook page.

Photo: Facebook

The original post has been shared by more than 300,000 people. When you see what the man was doing, you’ll understand why.

‘God bless them’

Doug wrote on his Facebook post, “Most afternoons I run through Discovery Green, and most afternoons I see this guy with a pram but no baby. He brings this beautiful … what seems to be … a disabled dog to the park.

“He lets the dog sit in the grass and take in the smell and sound. Here he gives the dog water from a small cup that he takes with him. A delightful dog and a nice guy. God bless them.”

Most afternoons I take a run through Discovery Green, and most afternoons I see this guy with a stroller but no baby. He…

Posted by Doug Delony KHOU on Thursday, May 19, 2016

The dog, called Maximillian, is blind in one eye and has arthritis which prevents him from walking. His owners Edie Mayo and Troy Griffin care for their 16-year-old dog and treat him like a king.

Twice a day they take him across the street in a baby stroller to the park, which he loves.

“He loves being out there, meeting people, especially female dogs.” said Edie. “He loves the little poodles.”

Life lessons

The family has had Max the Sheltie since he was only a few weeks old and now he’s reached such a ripe old age, they want to make him as comfortable as possible.

‘He’s part of our family. He’s my best friend. He’s taught me life lessons that I will never forget,” Edie said in an interview with  KHOU .

Photo: Facebook

What a wonderful family this is! Please share to spread this heart-warming story even further on Facebook!