Even after death
Unwavering faithfulness
Cherished bond renewed
______________________________________________
During the holiday season, I recorded and saved a movie to watch when the choice of good material was slimmer than usual. Saturday night, the prompt to watch it called loudly. The resulting impression is still with me, days later, and feels indelible.
As the credits rolled, along with my stream of tears, I discovered, the movie, “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale”, was based on a true story of Hachikō, who was born in Japan in 1923. Hachikō is known in Japan, as faithful dog Hachikō (‘hachi’ meaning ‘eight’, a number referring to the dog’s birth order in the litter, and ‘kō’, meaning prince or duke).
According to Wikipedia and some other sources I read:
In 1924, Hachikō was brought to Tokyo by its master, Hidesamuro Ueno, a professor in the agricultural department at the University of Tokyo. During his owner’s life, Hachikō greeted him at the end of each day at the nearby Shibuya Train Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return. The professor had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died, never returning to the train station where Hachikō was waiting. Hachikō kept this routine and waited for its master at the station for the next 11 years until its death in 1935.
In April 1934, prior to Hachikō’s death, a bronze statue in his likeness was erected at Shibuya Station in Japan. The statue was recycled for the war effort during World War II. Another statue was commissioned and erected in August 1948, and is a popular meeting spot.
The exact spot where Hachikō waited in the train station is permanently marked with bronze paw-prints and text in Japanese explaining his loyalty.
______________________________________________
© rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011
You know Becca, Callie passed away and I thought I would die too, part of me did. I thought I would never want another dog. But as time passed, I knew Callie would want me to be happy with another dog friend. Callie could never be replaced, EVER. She will always be my first, great, loving dog. I have Lexi now and she is totally different, like the love you can have for more than one child, you can have for more than one dog. Different but still love. For those who think you cannot love again, you can, it’s just a different type of love. Lexi has helped me love her. I wrote about it on my blog. Laurie
LikeLike
I know exactly what you are saying, Laurie!! I am tickled you found
Lexi … and thank you for letting me know about your post. I followed
and think she is the cutest!! 😀
If you haven’t seen this movie — I highly recommend …
but beware and have a box of tissues!!
LikeLike
which movie, Becca?
LikeLike
“Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” with Richard Gere
LikeLike
Pingback: Time Capsule!! | "On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea"
So beautiful. All I can think of is my Maggie. Gone now almost six years. I will never have another. I am sure that you understand this. Wonderful…
Melanie
LikeLike
TOTALLY understand, Melanie!!! TOTALLY 😉
LikeLike
amazing…
LikeLike
Lovely story, well synthesized. It reminded me of the story of Greyfriar’s Bobby: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby where the terrier stayed years on the grave of its owner. At least Bobby knew where his owner was. Poor Hachi must have thought he’d been abandoned. ;-(
My brother once had a Chesapeake Bay retriever that was his constant companion. One day he went into a store, and Kelly was ordered to sit and wait. I suspect my bro was in drinking, at any rate, he went home from a different door. It was 3 days before he figured out where he’d last seen the dog, and Kelly was still there waiting for him… (Kelly was plainly more loyal than my bro!)
My haiku is here: http://shawnbird.com/2011/07/18/summer-rain/
LikeLike
These type of stories warm my heart … thank you for sharing stories of Greyfrair’s Bobby and Kelly!
LikeLike
This is beautifully sad – it made me feel sad and sent a chill down my spine. Your Haiku captured the true essence of this sad story.
Anna :o]
LikeLike
It was such a heart-wrenching story … such loyalty beyond compare!
LikeLike
A lovely haiku — and it means so much more after reading the back-story. Very touching.
LikeLike
It was a tender story …
LikeLike
beautiful, Becca!
LikeLike
thanks, dani! 🙂
LikeLike
true, well put.
Happy DAys, thanks for linking.
LikeLike
Hi, I saw your comment on Hibernationnow. I just had to stop by and say it is awesome that you have 12 four-legged! Awesome!!! And, so glad I did b/c now I’m going to get those two books Laurie mentioned and definitely watch this movie! I’d forgotten about the movie, so am excited now. What a wonderful blog too!
Peace.
LikeLike
Ahhh, thank you!! I am happy you followed the breadcrumb … 🙂 I appreciate the visit.
LikeLike
I recently saw that movie too. I did not know all of the background although some of it was alluded to, but the movie modified many of the details. The loyalty of our four-legged friends is amazing. There may be a lesson here for you cat people.
LikeLike
The bond between animals and their guardian/caretakers is amazing … all bonds are noteworthy, but some are astounding. I love my bond with each of my canine and feline fur-children, but not all my feline-children would have this loyalty … a couple, yes … but not all! 🙂 Thank you for visiting.
LikeLike
Human beings should be eternally grateful to this creauture. how they love their family members! i just adore this creature with all my heart 🙂
LikeLike
Hachiko is an absolutely amazing example. While reading about him, I came across a few others to investigate. My “kiddos” are loving and faithful, but not like this! 🙂
Humans should take note as well! Appreciate your stopping by for a visit.
LikeLike
Becca, I watched that movie and could barely breathe I was crying so much. It was the most touching movie EVER. I loved your haiku and that painting (did you paint that?) It was a wonderful way to start my day. BTW, if you like to read books about dogs, check out Huck and Racing Against Cars (not sure that is the right title but I can look it up if you want). My dog is getting older and I love her so much….she will be with me forever in my heart. Laurie
LikeLike
I hear ya, Laurie; same here … I couldn’t even explain the story to Ray (my hubby) yesterday … and that is several days after watching the movie. I have had special bonds with my fur-kids but nothing as astounding as this! An amazing example of loyalty, many of us could learn from!
LikeLike
wonderful….
LikeLike
Thank you for visiting!
LikeLike
It touched me so deep Becca… Thank you for this.
LikeLike
Yes, Sam, it is an amazing story and legacy. I appreciate your visit and leaving a note. 🙂 All my best ~~
LikeLike