Dog stands guard over deceased owner’s grave for six years

[JoeM]

What an amazing and touching story:

"An extremely dedicated dog has continued to show its loyalty, keeping watch on its owner's grave six years after he passed away.

Capitan, a German shepherd, reportedly ran away from home after its owner, Miguel Guzman, died in 2006. A week later, the Guzman family found the dog sitting by his grave in central Argentina...."

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/dog...56479.html

[NewtonMP2100]

....Cerberus......is that you.....???

[cbelt3]

While that's always a 'sad sign of devotion', I wonder about the owner's family. Why didn't they work harder to help the dog over his loss, and give him a new Alpha pack leader ? I assume they care for him in his vigil, which means they're actually reinforcing the behavior.

When my father in law passed away, his little Pomeranian stayed with us. She missed him horribly for a while, but she's accepted my wife as her Alpha Mommy. It took a lot of effort, but we wanted her to be happy.

Heck, we're doing the same thing with the young people that we quasi-foster in our house.. make them comfortable and safe, and ensure that they know they are cared for, appreciated, and a worthwhile member of the family.

[mjgkramer]

Check out "Hachi: A Dog's Tale". Similar situation based on a true story except the dog waits at a train station for nine years for his dead master to arrive from work.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachi:_A_Dog%27s_Tale

[$tevie]

And of course the classic story of devotion, Greyfriars Bobby.
http://greyfriarsbobby.co.uk/

[MGS_forgot_password]

Reminds me of my favorite episode of Futurama.

[Greg]

cbelt3 wrote:
While that's always a 'sad sign of devotion', I wonder about the owner's family. Why didn't they work harder to help the dog over his loss, and give him a new Alpha pack leader ? I assume they care for him in his vigil, which means they're actually reinforcing the behavior.

When my father in law passed away, his little Pomeranian stayed with us. She missed him horribly for a while, but she's accepted my wife as her Alpha Mommy. It took a lot of effort, but we wanted her to be happy.

Heck, we're doing the same thing with the young people that we quasi-foster in our house.. make them comfortable and safe, and ensure that they know they are cared for, appreciated, and a worthwhile member of the family.

[$tevie]

How do we know the dog isn't happy? It may very well be quite happy to carry on its lifelong position as a loyal friend and companion. I think it's anthropomorphizing to assume it isn't happy. I love dogs and I believe they think the same as we do, but not the same way as we do. Maybe three squares and a soft bed isn't what gives this dog contentment. Dogs love having work to do. This is his work.

[NewtonMP2100]

....is this six years.....in DOG years......????

[Lemon Drop]

$tevie wrote:
And of course the classic story of devotion, Greyfriars Bobby.
http://greyfriarsbobby.co.uk/

AWWWWWW'

That reminds me of my new pup, Walter.