Shanghai Dog's Loyal Wait Echoes Hachiko, Finds Hope After Owner's Death

A Shanghai Dog's Silent Vigil Echoes the Legend of Hachiko

For generations, people have shared the tale of Hachiko. The faithful Akita dog waited daily at a Tokyo train station for his owner, unaware the man had died. This story defines canine loyalty. Now, a similar scene unfolds in Shanghai, stirring hearts across China.

A Beloved Community Member in Baoshan District

Ah Wang lived in a residential area of Shanghai's Baoshan District. Everyone in the building knew him. Residents described the dog as calm, obedient, and gentle. He never barked at children or elderly neighbors. Ah Wang maintained a peaceful demeanor at all times.

The dog spent nearly a decade with his owner, a man surnamed Gao. Gao lived alone. On December 11, Gao died suddenly from an illness. Ah Wang did not understand what had happened.

The Patient Wait Outside a Closed Door

After Gao's death, Ah Wang began a daily ritual. He sat quietly in the corridor outside his owner's apartment door. The dog waited patiently, as if expecting Gao to return at any moment.

Concerned neighbors tried to help the grieving animal. They placed clothes on the floor to provide warmth and a resting place. Some residents offered water and dog food. Ah Wang refused all nourishment. When people attempted to comfort him or take him to their homes, he would run away.

Community Alarm When Ah Wang Disappears

On January 6, residents made a worrying discovery. Ah Wang was no longer in his usual spot in the corridor. Fearful for his safety, they contacted Shanghai TV Station to report him missing.

One resident expressed deep concern. "Last night, it rained and thundered," they said. "The temperature dropped to around 2 degrees Celsius. We checked multiple times but found he still hadn't returned."

The resident referenced a folk belief. "According to a folk saying, if a dog stops eating and drinking for many days and then runs away, it is likely searching for a quiet place to die. We hope to find Ah Wang and save his life."

A Desperate Search Ends with a Fragile Discovery

As Ah Wang's story spread on social media, search efforts intensified. On January 8, a female resident found the dog. She discovered him hiding in a grassy area while she was feeding homeless cats and dogs.

She described a heartbreaking scene. "His body was shivering, and he looked despondent," she reported. "Tears were streaming down his face."

The woman took Ah Wang to the residential committee office. Officials there gave him ham sausages. Initially, the dog refused to eat. Eventually, he consumed ten sausages in one sitting.

A New Home Offers Hope in Familiar Surroundings

A neighbor named Huang has expressed a desire to adopt Ah Wang. "I live near his owner and often played with him before," Huang said. "If it's allowed, I would like to adopt him."

Gao's son, who rarely visited his father, stated he does not wish to adopt the dog. The residential committee supports Huang's proposal. This would allow Ah Wang to continue living in a familiar environment.