See how one man and his dog re-created a photo 15 years later

June 17, 2016, 6:54 PM UTC / Source: TODAY

By Timothy Tukes

In only two photos, Gordon Delacroix was able to show how inseparable he and his best friend Birdy have been for the last 15 years. But Birdy isn't a high school classmate or childhood neighbor: He's Delacroix's dog.

The first image was taken when Belgium-native Delacroix was 14, at his grandmother's house. The second, a complete re-creation of the first, was taken in the same location, with the same pose, while Delacroix wears the same blue pullover — 15 years later.

“He's very sweet and quiet,” Delacroix, now 30, told TODAY via email. “He likes to cuddle but never invade people's space, and his favorite thing is to meet new dogs.”

Gordon, 14, and Birdy — Gordon and Birdy pose for a photo outside Gordon's grandmother's Belgium home 15 years ago.Courtesy of Gordon Delacroix

Delacroix shared the photos on Reddit, where they have received more than 1,000 comments. The reason for the second pic? Delacroix said it's because he worries he doesn't have much time left with Birdy. The Labrador-German shepherd mix is now battling a life-threatening diagnosis.

Gordon Delacroix, 30, and Birdy fifteen years later — Delacroix and Birdy re-created their original photo outside Gordon's grandmother's Belgium home.Gordon Delacroix

Birdy and Gordon Delacroix playing tug of war — Birdy and Delacroix playing tug of warCourtesy of Gordon Delacroix

Delacroix said that although some outlets have reported that Birdy has cancer, all he knows is that "some vets said it's most probably cancer, so we don't know if he's in an immediate threat or not."

Birdy and Gordon Delacroix lounging on the sofa. — Birdy and Delacroix lounging on the sofaCourtesy of Gordon Delacroix

The pair's love for each other spans not only time but also distance. Delacroix said after leaving the Belgian countryside to head to university, he returned every weekend to see Birdy. The pup later joined Delacroix once he graduated from the university and moved to Brussels.

Birdy was the main subject in a music video for Delacroix’s band, Recoder.

In the days ahead, Delacroix said he and Birdy are planning on spending a lot of time together. Delacroix takes Birdy to the park, where he meets other dogs, and to an aqua-gym, which he frequents twice a week for therapy. The physiotherapy helps him maintain his leg muscles and stops his joints from locking.

Gordon Delacroix sledding with Birdy — Delacroix sledding with BirdyCourtesy of Gordon Delacroix

Gordon Delacroix and his dog Birdy — Birdy in an aqua-gymCourtesy of Gordon Delacroix

We're all rooting for Birdy and Delacroix. The two of them are just too cute to handle.