Hachiko

[itscandace]

Each year on April 8th at a solemn ceremony in Tokyo's Shibuya railroad station, hundreds of dog lovers do homage to the loyalty and devotion of an Akita dog, Hachiko, faithful pet of Dr. Eisaburo Ueno, a professor at Tokyo University.

Hachiko was born in Odate, Japan in November 1923, a white male Akita dog. At the age of two months, he was sent to the home of Professor Ueno of the Agricultural Department of the Tokyo University. The professor's home was in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. The professor commuted to the agricultural department in Komaba and the agricultural experimental station in Nishihara.

Tragedy struck on May 21, 1925, when Dr. Ueno did not return because he had suffered a stroke and died at the university. Hachiko was eighteen months old. The next day and for the next nine years, Hachiko returned to the station and waited for his beloved master before walking home, alone. Nothing and no one could discourage Hachiko from maintaining his nightly vigil. It was not until he followed his master in death, in March l934, that Hachiko failed to appear in his place at the railroad station.

Hachiko was sent to homes of relatives or friends, but he always continued to await his master, who was never to return, at the train station. The fidelity of Hachiko was known throughout Japan, owing to an article, "Faithful Old Dog Awaits Return of Master Dead for Seven Years" in the October 4, 1933 issue of Aashi Shinbun (Asahi News). Upon his death, newspaper stories led to the suggestion that a statue be erected in the station. Contributions the from the United States and other countries were received. Today, the statue of the Akita, Hachiko, pays silent tribute to the breed's faithfulness and loyalty. A bronze statue of Hachiko was put up at his waiting spot outside the Shibuya railroad station, which is now probably the most popular rendezvous point in Shibuya. Hachiko was mounted and stuffed and is on now on display at the Tokyo Museum of Art.

Click link below for Hachiko Photos
http://www.media-akita.or.jp/akita-i...introd-2E.html

I love my Akita and he is the most loyal and loving dog. Today I pay homage to Hachiko and all Akitas and Akita lovers. They really are the best dog in the world. I love you Nemo!!

[Sukidog]

Pets have an undying devotion and love that can surpass anything or anybody. Their faithfullness is insurmountable and heart retching. I love my Sukidog. What a georgous dog and "family" member you have.

[sideways]

SHEEEESH!!...you trying to make me cry at work??????


Thats such a sad story.....Makes you wonder if our pups would wait at the back door for us. I bet they would

[TAPPY]

What a great story.....

[Jacko]

[maliasma]

I have tears welling up in my eyes...what a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing.

[sctx]

Kendo meets me at the gate every day when I get home....well except when it's 98 degrees or better, when it's that hot he just stares at me from under is dog house. Kiko only greets me at the gate when I bring Cheetos home.......females

[itscandace]

Gosh, I didn't mean to make people cry. Just wanted to share since yesterday was Hachiko's day in Tokyo. I think it is shuch a great story of how we really bond with our pets. And how much they really care for us as much as we care for them. I read a poem once about dogs and how they give us their all and we give them the time we can spare. Now that made me cry. I can't remember where I saw it, I'll have to see if I can find it on the internet. I try to remember it whenever I get impatient with my dog or realize he hasn't had much attention that day. I try to make him feel loved and special whenever I can. I guess it is practice for when I have children some day.