The love and loyalty of a good dog is well known. Recently, a report of a Hachi-like happening came from China. That was also on the heels of a similar story in California.
China
Lao Pan, a man in China whose only companion was a dog, died earlier this month at the age of 68. He left no family other than the loyal yellow dog with whom he shared his life. Once his room was cleaned out, the dog left and found his way to Lao Pan’s grave.
The pup stayed there for seven days without food, just to be by the side of the only human he knew. Kindly villagers took the dog back and gave him some food but this loyal friend went right back to holding vigil at his owner’s grave.
Townspeople are so moved by this display of love and loyalty they bring the pet food and water and are planning on building a kennel for him. Watch a BBC video of the story.
California
Earlier in California, a Boxer named Roxy was similarly attached to her owner, Corkey Millsap. They were inseparable and traveled everywhere together.
One day Millsap went out with Roxy to do errands and never returned. No one knows how, but Millsap and Roxy had the misfortune to fall off a 200 foot cliff. Roxy survived; Millsap didn’t.
Millsap’s daughter searched for her father for eight days, putting up flyers and spreading the word of his missing person status. When someone reported seeing his car on Route 299, the family discovered Roxy nearby. She had been keeping watch on her guardian all this time without food or water.
It took many attempts to get Roxy to leave with Delana Swanson, Millsap’s daughter. Roxy just didn’t want to abandon her guardian. An NBC News video has the story.
Roxy has a new home with Millsap’s daughter and grandson. But, no doubt she is still wondering why she can no longer live with her loving dad.
Nobody Loves You Like a Dog
I don’t think there is another animal in the world that bonds with and feels compelled to stand by their human like a dog does. So, did humans domesticate dogs or did dogs domesticate us? Roxy isn’t talking…
Author Gene Hill says it best.
“He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)
When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself.
He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me… whenever… wherever – in case I need him. And I expect I will – as I always have. He is just my dog.”
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