Hachiko: A dog’s Tale
Come on, Hachiko. Let’s go, ” Eisaburo Ueno said as he walked out the door. The White Akita dog was already waiting for him, wagging it’s tail and ready to go. Every morning they walked together to the Shibuya station, where Mr. Ueno got on the train. in the evenings, when he returned from work, Hachiko was at the station waiting for him, and together they walked home.
Mr. Ueno was a professor at Tokyo University, and he took the train to and from work. For years Hachiko accompanied his owner to the station in the mornings. And in the evenings, when Mr. Ueno stepped off the train, Hachika already there sat waiting.
But one day in 1925 something terrible happened. The day started out as usual, with Hachiko accompanying Mr. Ueno to the railroad station, but while at work the professor had a sudden heart attack and died. That evening the train rumbled into the Shibuya railroad station, where Hachiko sat as usual. He eagerly looked around, but his owner wasn’t there. The dog whimpered and trudged home alone.
Hachiko faithfully returns to the same spot at the station the very next day, and every day for the next nine years to wait for his beloved master. During his daily visits, Hachiko touches the lives of many who work near and commute through the town square. He teaches the local people love, compassion and above all unyielding loyalty.
For the next 9 years Hachiko faithfully met the evening trains until he died at the Shibuya station. His faithfullness and devotion didn’t go unnoticed, and today, a bronze statue of Hachiko sits in his waiting spot outside the Shibuya station in Japan as a permanent reminder of his love and devotion.
Hachiko was loyal to his owner. If only we could be that faithful to our God–our Creator, our Savior, and our Friend. Maybe you have relatives who don’t believe in God and who try to get you to do things shouldn’t. Perhaps other kids tease you when you pray in public. Or could you get so busy that it’s hard to find time to read your Bible and pray regularly? Whatever the circumstance, whether it seems big or small, “remain faithful to Jesus.” Rev: 14: 12 – “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.”
The Movie
Portrayed by Richard Gere as the owner in the movie Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009) – An American adaptation of a Japanese tale about a loyal dog named Hachiko.
This very special friend would accompany his master to the train station every day and return each afternoon to greet him after work.
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