They’re referred to as man’s best friend, known for being loyal, and have even risked their lives to save others. In this installment, we’re going to look at some truly memorable pooches throughout history. These aren’t your morning cartoon canines, either; these are true tales of unforgettable hounds, and whether their story is heroic, tragic, or intriguing, they all earned their place in this video! Bust out the box of tissues, you might be blubbering at the end of this one!
9. Hachiko
Love and loyalty typically go hand in hand, but it’s often wondered just how loyal an animal can be, Hachiko, an Akita, memorialized in the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo is arguably a true testament of the extent of canine loyalty to their companions.
During the 1920s Hachiko was purchased by professor Hidesaburo Ueno and the two
had what could be seen as an almost immediate bond. Hachiko would accompany Hidesaburo every day to the train station, where he would sit and wait until the professor’s return. This went on for five years until the day Hidesaburo died.
Then Hachiko waited for his friend each day, performing the same routine in speculative hopes of Hidesaburo’s return. Was it a conditioned routine that Hachiko was reenacting each day, or was the lone pup really waiting for his owner? Hachiko did this during 9 years until he passed away in 1935.
A bronze statue commemorating the dog was set up in front of the Shibuya Station in 1934 a year before his death (March 8, 1935). His story has been the subject of numerous books and films.
