It’s hard to think of any creature that can love as well as a dog can. From endless snuggles to knowing when we need a little extra attention, our animals are the true emotional heroes. Dogs in particular are known for their unwavering love and extreme loyalty. Keep reading for four of our favorite stories about a dog’s love for their family.
Bobbie the Wonder Dog
Although he lived at the beginning of the 20th century, Bobbie’s loyalty is still the stuff of legends. The border collie enjoyed a happy life with his family in Oregon, but during a family trip to Indiana in 1923, he ran away when some street dogs came after him. His family searched for him but had no luck. They reluctantly returned to Oregan sans Bobbie thinking they would never see him again. But Bobbie had other plans. Six months later, he hobbled up to the family home. He was thin, dirty, and a little worse for wear, but he successfully navigated 2,550 miles home.
Shelby the Lifesaver
Shelby, a loyal German shepherd, urgently woke up her family one night. The children had already woken up complaining of headaches, but their parents put them back to sleep without thinking much of it. Shelby knew differently, however. She would not rest until the family heeded her warning. The dog would not leave the house until everyone was outside. Eventually, they realized the furnace was leaking carbon monoxide. If Shelby hadn’t woken them up to get them out, they might not have woken up at all.
Dorado’s Unconditional Love and Loyalty
Dorado served as a guide dog for his owner, a blind man who worked in the World Trade Center. When the plane hit the tower on September 11, 2001, his owner didn’t think he’d make it out alive. Wanting to give Dorado a chance, he unclipped his leash and ordered him to go. The dog got swept up in a stream of people trying to escape, but he managed to find his way back upstairs and to his owner. With the help of a coworker, they managed to navigate their way out of the building just before it collapsed.
Hachiko
Hachiko’s story is one of the most famous dog loyalty tales of all time, and for good reason. The dog lived with his owner in the 1920’s and he greeted him each day after work at the train station. Sadly, his owner died of a stroke while at work one day. The dog returned to the train station every day for 10 years hoping to see his owner one last time. Even though they only had 2 years together, their bond made a lasting impact on Hachiko.
These are amazing stories about a dog’s love for their family. We are so blessed to have them in our lives.
At Union Lake Veterinary Hospital, we know the importance of the human-animal bond, and we aim to honor that with each and every visit to our hospital. Our compassionate team is here to offer high-quality veterinary care through every stage of your pet’s life. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please call (248) 363-1508.