Ranjit Tamhankar

Tag: Pets

  • International Dog Day – Stories of loyal and heartwarming Dogs

    My last blog was on Dogs (https://thetamhankar.com/2024/11/05/life-without-a-pet-cant-imagine/) and now this. Taking a cue from today – 26th Aug 2025 – being an #International Dog Day, I thought of penning down some thoughts, stories that depicts the loyalty and companionship of our beloved furry friends. Today is not about my dog Biscuit, but few others. By the way Biscuit is turning 4 coming November..!. Here’s the cheeky guy playing fondly with an empty parcel box. Of all his toys he likes to play with boxes.

    Biscuit and his beloved toy

    International Dog Day, observed every year on August 26, is a global celebration dedicated to honoring and appreciating our canine companions—the love, loyalty, and joy they bring into our lives. It’s also a day to spotlight animal welfare issues, particularly the importance of adoption, rescue, and responsible pet ownership. The day was founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige, an animal welfare advocate and pet-lifestyle expert.

    International Dog Day blends heartfelt appreciation with meaningful advocacy—an opportunity for dog lovers everywhere to both celebrate and take action for the welfare of these beloved companions, promote adoption and rescue, and encourage responsible pet ownership.

    Across continents and circumstances—from vigil and rescue to heroism and heartfelt companionship—these ten stories highlight the depth of love, intuition, and unwavering loyalty dogs offer. Each tale brings its own emotional weight, perfect for weaving into a blog to celebrate International Dog Day.

    Following stories are a collation from my research (including their sources) and restricted to 10 so not to get overwhelmed and too emotional 🙂

    Ten Heart-Tugging Tales of Canine Loyalty

    1. Hachikō (Japan)
      This legendary Akita waited daily at Tokyo’s Shibuya Station for his deceased owner for over nine years—becoming a national symbol of devotion and earning a memorial statue in his honor. WikipediaDog Breed ProVillage Pipolgooddoghotel.com
    2. Greyfriars Bobby (Scotland)
      A Skye Terrier who sat vigil at his owner’s grave in Edinburgh for 14 years after his passing. The city later memorialized him with a drinking fountain topped by his statue. Wikipedia
    3. Canelo (Spain)
      For over 12 years, this devoted dog waited outside a hospital for his now-deceased owner. The community commemorated him with a bronze plaque and even named the street in his memory. Wikipedia
    4. Bobbie the Wonder Dog (USA)
      After being accidentally left behind during a family road trip, Bobbie made a remarkable 2,551-mile journey across mountains and rivers to return home, becoming famous worldwide. Wikipedia
    5. Dżok (Poland)
      After his owner died from a heart attack, Dżok waited daily at the spot where it happened. He later inspired a statue and became a beloved symbol of unwavering loyalty. Rest Less
    6. Gobi (China → Scotland)
      A stray who struck up an instant bond with runner Dion Leonard during a 155-mile desert race—Gobi followed him for over 50 miles and eventually became part of his family in Scotland. RosyCheeked
    7. Gwen (Wales)
      When her owner collapsed from a stroke in a remote field, Gwen stayed by his side for a week, keeping him warm and even fetching water—helping save his life. She was honored with an RSPCA award. RosyCheeked
    8. Kabang (Philippines)
      This brave street dog sacrificed her snout and upper jaw to save her owner’s daughter from being hit by a motorcycle. Her heroic act captured global attention, and a statue now honors her memory. Village Pipol
    9. Willie, General Patton’s Dog (USA/World War II)
      Willie (aka William the Conqueror) accompanied General George S. Patton through campaigns across Europe during WWII—by his side in every major move, embodying companionship amidst conflict. Wikipedia
    10. Brody (Ireland)
      A two-year-old sniffer dog at Shannon Airport who helped seize over €100 million in contraband while maintaining a calm, playful demeanor—thanks to a strong bond with his handler, Wendy.

    The stories of Bobby and Akita are truely emotional in every sense. I wonder what hurdles, challenges, and threats Bobby would have gone through those 2500 miles odd journey and how he reached his home safely. Amazing.

    I hereby invite readers to share stories of their own loyal companions and perhaps do a heartfelt tribute to shelter dogs or support adoption.

  • Life without a pet?…can’t imagine

    Daily writing prompt
    What is good about having a pet?
    View all responses

    It has been three years since Biscuit came in our life. Biscuit is my yellow Labrador retriever, got him when he was almost 11 weeks old at the start of 2022. Since then he has become an integral part of our family, a boisterous boy, mischievous and super duper friendly.

    Pets are stress busters as we all know. And indeed they are. Whenever I feel a bit sad or down, I hug Biscuit for a while and there goes the stress out of the way. He too understands the emotions I am going through as I see that in his eyes, the eyes that speaks.

    Before Biscuit our life was routine less, rather less checked. Weekends use to be lazy, late night movies and sleep. The day on a weekend usually started at 9am for all of us. None left now. Since Biscuits arrival there is now a routine to all we do. I had to plan my day around all my activities including his walks and play. We all sleep latest by 1030pm every day, wake up by 5 or 6am depending on office routine. It feels so nice to wake up early and go for a walk with Biscuit. The life has now an added purpose.

    Having a pet is certainly a responsibility and need to be treated and managed as one would do with their own kids. They too have their own needs but they don’t impose them on you. Feed them and pay attention and they are the happiest fellas. For those who don’t like pets, when encountered they make you love them. We have changed few of our family friends 😀.

    As every human, they can get sad, elated, happy, cry, excited. We should be attentive to those emotions and support them to get them through them. They don’t cease to be happy, do remember.

    Here’s to all the pets and pet lovers.