Note: This post was first published in August, 2010 and has remained a very popular read on Learning from Dogs since then.
So here is that post once again, albeit with a few minor changes.
oooOOOooo
More than a film, a message from dogs to mankind.
We recently watched a film about an Akita dog called Hachi, Hachikō in Japanese, that demonstrates the loyalty that dogs can offer their human companions.
It’s a very moving film. Expect to shed many tears. Even more so when one reflects that the Hollywood film is based, reasonably accurately, on a true story. The details of this story are in Wikipedia from which is quoted:
In 1924, Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo took in Hachikō as a pet. During his owner’s life Hachikō saw him out from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting. Hachikō was loyal and every day for the next nine years he waited sitting there amongst the town’s folk.
Hachikō was given away after his master’s death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. Eventually, Hachikō apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachikō waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he did not see his friend among the commuters at the station.
The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachikō attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikō and Professor Ueno together each day. They brought Hachikō treats and food to nourish him during his wait.
This continued for nine years with Hachikō appearing precisely when the train was due at the station
Now watch and weep.
Back to the Wikipedia entry:
That same year, another of Ueno’s faithful students (who had become something of an expert on the Akita breed) saw the dog at the station and followed him to the Kobayashi home (the home of the former gardener of Professor Ueno — Kikuzaboro Kobayashi) where he learned the history of Hachikō’s life. Shortly after this meeting, the former student published a documented census of Akitas in Japan. His research found only 30 purebred Akitas remaining, including Hachikō from Shibuya Station.
Professor Ueno’s former student returned frequently to visit the dog and over the years published several articles about Hachikō’s remarkable loyalty. In 1932 one of these articles, published in Tokyo’s largest newspaper, threw the dog into the national spotlight. Hachikō became a national sensation. His faithfulness to his master’s memory impressed the people of Japan as a spirit of family loyalty all should strive to achieve. Teachers and parents used Hachikō’s vigil as an example for children to follow. A well-known Japanese artist rendered a sculpture of the dog, and throughout the country a new awareness of the Akita breed grew.
Eventually, Hachiko’s legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty.
Hachikō died on March 8, 1935. He was found on a street in Shibuya. His heart was infected with filarial worms and 3-4 yakitori sticks were found in his stomach. His stuffed and mounted remains are kept at the National Science Museum of Japan in Ueno, Tokyo.
A dog offers loyalty, trust and love in exchange for being treated with integrity and compassion.
That’s why we have so much to learn from dogs.
Learning from Dogs 
Yes, I agree 100% with you. We have a lot to learn from our best friend!
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I can’t watch that video without bawling my eyes out. I’ve tried 4 times so far and each time I just lose it. We have so much to learn from dogs. Do you know the story of Greyfriars Bobby? If not, I suggest you look it up. It’s very similar.
One day I will be able to watch the film, but not yet. I’m far too sentimental plus I have a story of my own and this story is close to it!
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Yes, I have come across that other story and wrote about it in early 2011. May republish that one next week. Thanks for the prompt and for your comment.
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Paul it still brings tears even now.. and I know the bond our four-legged hold for us less loyal humans.. And Its a beautiful bond when we see in in action..
I was brought up with cats.. but you know I saw how when I was very small the bond between our Pet Cat and my Dad went over and beyond… Our Pet cat would know exactly the time Dad would climb our long hill in our village home after a long day in the local quarry.. She would go sit on a wall on a hill called the Dale Mouth.. as its gradient was very steep.. She would jump on his shoulder ever evening for a ride home along with what ever titbit Dad had saved from his lunch.. 🙂
Lovely Story Paul…
Happy New Year May 2013 bring Many Blessings your way..
Sue
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Thank you, Sue. Not only for your comment and the lovely anecdote but for your writings and your fabulous levels of compassion for so much in this crazy world. You have a wonderful year, Paul
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Hi Paul (and Jean)!
So busy lately with work, Vestry, CAP and volunteering I haven’t had time to catch up! But had to comment on this one! I coincidently just recently watched this movie, and I not being a crier cried my eyes out. Such a beautiful story of unconditional love and loyalty; we humans can definitely learn so much from our four-legged friends and companions.
My love and best to you both for a beautiful and magical New Year!
Merci…
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Dearest Merci,
Thank you for your lovely comment. Jeannie is just next to me as we settle down to watch some television and we both return our love and best wishes to you for 2013.
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This post, and comments, have convinced me to watch both Hachi and — if I can find it — Hachi-ko. Thank you! 🙂
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This story always moves me to tears. I guess one of the reasons I am enamored with dogs is because they give to us unconditional love. They don’t care what we look like, if we are rich or poor, they are attracted to our souls. That is why they are an excellent judge of character. Thank you, Paul for this article.
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Susan, oh you really touch on what it means to love a dog and be loved in return. Indeed, I’m going to quote your words to close a post this coming Thursday – thank you!
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I remember this video well, from 2013, though unfortunately it is not now visible on your post .. Hope you and Jean are enjoying a peaceful weekend Paul
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Not available either at this end. Will try and find time to track it down. It would be a great republish!
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I would indeed Paul x
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