some how I highly doubt the story of the picture is truthful. but hey we all love to grasp to "miracles" to try and use as proof of that which is false

That was my first thought too Brenda. PLEASE SOMEONE - take this dog home and love him.

And you know what? I don't even like dogs but this one has touched my heart.

bs

Where do you get the idea that this was a staged photo? What makes YOU an authority on photojournalism?

I mentioned that I don't like dogs but plenty of people do and plenty of dogs act just like this dog - waiting for their owner.

This dog does not understand death or is mourning.

Right on Karen!

And yes, someone needs to comfort this poor grieving animal. Animals grieve just as we humans do. Elephants grieve for a week over the passing of a member of their herd. They also bury their dead. Not in a grave, but with branches and other natural debris. They then stay by the "grave" to make sure it is not disturbed by other animals hungry for the carcass.

I'm reminded of the TV show, "The Merkat's", those little furry creatures, stay with their dying companions, as a group, until they pass. Dogs give so much more than they take, I love them and mine. Thinking about a dog? Go rescue one, you'll never regret it.

This photo is all too true. I've had dogs my whole life and when one lost it's mate, he literally climbed into the grave to be with her. Dogs and their humans have a special bond and this photo proves it to the utmost degree.

bspurloc,

You should read about the story of Hachikō.

Regarding Hachiko...I've been to the station and seen the statue.

Most people probably won't bother to look up the story...so, briefly, and as I remember it. Hachiko, an Akita, went with his master every day to the train station to see the master off to work...then returned each afternoon until the master/owner/dog lover returned.

One day the gentleman died at work. Hachiko was there waiting for him at the station that afternoon.

And Hachiko kept returning to the station every day...I believe at one point the dog just stayed there, waiting.

People noticed and began feeding the dog.

When Hachiko died a statue was erected on the spot where he/she had waited. (I say "he/she" because I have read conflicting stories as to whether or not Hachiko was male or female. I've read that "he" was male, and I've read that "he" was female. However, in Japan it is my understanding from Japanese friends that traditionally only girl's names end with "ko". So that leads me to believe that Hachiko was female.)

The Akita is the national dog of Japan and for good reason. Look them up while after you look up Hachiko. And, yes, I have had one myself...and, like Hachiko, I go to the backyard every day and imagine him there. Kuma was my best friend for far too short a time.

Akitas are exceptional dogs in the right hands and environment. I never had a gentler dog than Ottis (OD). He was 3 when we met. I do know of Akitas, both sexes, that will not submit. These are dangerous alpha dogs, catastrophe in the wrong hands.

i have a chow husky wolf mix. when i 1st met her at the owners house, she was 20 lbs under weight, missing a lot of her hair, and was in poor shape. i had gone to meet the dog, the owner was looking for someone to care for her. because of the wolf mix, i was doubtful i would take her. upon my arrival the dog sat next to me in the chair i sat in. i was there for a little over 2 1/2 hours, she never left my side. i was still not sure however if i was going to take untill i started to leave. the dog started to wimper. i took her. she had no idea what a treat was, hid her food, and rationed it out. to this day she has no use for dog toys. she has been by my side ever since, loyal, and always waiting if i leave even for a moment. about 4 months after i got her, i had to go out of town for a month, and couldnt bring her with. i left her with my at the time girlfriend, whom both got along very well. from the day i left, till i returned home, Mira, my dogs name, waited, looking at the road. when a truck came down the road similar to mine, she would stand up, get all excited, and when it kept going, she would flump to ground. A little over 2 weeks had gone by. Mira had nearly stopped eating altogether. my gf called me in tears begging if there was a way to come back sooner, to do so, because well, Mira was my dog. To this day she sits next to me in whatever room i am in. sleeps next to my side of the bed. when i was working ot go to work, she waits at the door for my return. she is my dog. not just because i took her from a place that didnt show her the love and careing, but she is just my dog. when she passes, because she is old, 16+ yrs, i will not get another. None could take her place anymore than someone can take mine for her.

She is in all, my best friend.

"but hey we all love to grasp to "miracles" to try and use as proof of that which is false"...???????!!!!!

What the hell does above pseudo-introspective babble mean anyway? Please, heartless and brainless people should not try to sound prophetic, introspective, philosophical, or poetic. Grasp to miracles to try and use as proof of that which is false? Lot of double, triple speak meaning absolutely nothing. Shut the hell up OK? It's pathetic. It's downright embarrassing!!!

Jonny, you can go elsewhere if it bothers you that much.

I feel so sorry for this poor animal. What loyalty!. If it can be permitted to allow the dog into the United States, I will take him or her gladly into a loving home.

hey, jonny-293..whatever, your pseudo-intellectualism and self inflicting low punches, is just a reflection of your own self pity chicken brain to "n" potential. And that's my friend what you call others....just you own masquerade ..Freud would it have a field day with you....poor devil..so confuse..narcissistic.. looking at his comments and laughing 'look dad how smart I'm'... but nobody is there, just too late..just me against the world full of foolishness. praising a little insignificant dog, instead of me, so smart..foolish people that praise loyalty, love, caring, they are so wrong...I'm so right...take care... jonny-2936..whatever..

bye

The dog was caught and will be taken up for adoption.

He spent two days digging on the grave.

Very sad situation in rio de janeiro.

The dog was caught and will be taken up for adoption.

He spent two days digging on the grave.

Very sad situation in rio de janeiro.

Thanks for the update.

I saw the movie about Hachiko, it was so sad, the family should have taken the dog home, I've e-mailed WSPA that would get in Rio de Janeiro on January 17th to help the animals about that dog hoping they'll find relatives of his "mother" or another family to adopt him, btw, if you can please look wspa's website to check if you can help, the animals there need a lot of help, brazil is a poor country and people who help usually help the human victims not the animals, please check if there's anything you can do, I live in São Paulo so I'm far from the tragedy but I'll go to the bank tomorrow to help the WSPa with some money !!!

Ele ja fui adotado.

He's already been adopted. I was there today;)

Many others there. I've got lots of photos.

This goes to show how much we really mean to our beloved pets. I hope someone gives this girl a loving home.

This story really touched me as a Future Vet... im glad the dog was adopted because ive been doing some work on helping getting these dogs homes and its been going successful.

There were well over 100 when I was there yesterday and more were entering than leaving.

This was the temp shelter in Teresopolis only. 2 other locations as well and they reported 180 plus just at Teresopolis so thanks if you're helping with this.

Spent as much time as I could just giving attention. Very sweet dogs and obviously confused. Goes without saying...

You've obviously never owned a dog. There is no need to have this photo staged. There are many recorded events where animals, not just dogs, have mourned the loss of their owners and all animals as living, breathing sentient beings, do know what loss is and can and do mourn losses, sometimes better than us. We should only hope that we humans could be half as loyal and decent to one another as our dogs are to us.

bspurloc - then you have never had a dog or known anyone who has. This is very normal for a dog because they have such undying love. I hope someone can coax the dog to go home with them and give it a good life.

What a great sentiment..may I use this quote? It says everything...

love this!! sharing!

Certainly. It isn't mine but similar to the quote of another who lost their friend. Maybe each of us can modify it in their own way. My dog died on Dec 23rd, its not nearly as tragic as the fate of those in Brazil or elsewhere in the world but the photo gives me an idea of how it would have been, if the tables were turned and I had preceeded him.

This is so true, I'm sharing!

What an awesome quote! Thank you!

Lovely sentiment, and all too true. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to be loved by our furry friends know EXACTLY what that means. This photo touched me deeply. I am reminded of my Great Dane who passed on 5 years ago. She was my world and I was hers. I thank GOD she left before I did. I would have never rested in peace without knowing someone loved & cared for her as much as I did. R,I.P. my big girl! I hope someone will have a heart to take care of Leao!

So, so heart-wrenching. One of my dogs went to the rainbow bridge on June 23rd; and, her son (who is now 11) has not been the same since - nor have I. There is not a day that goes by that I do not miss my most faithful and loyal companion. She always sat in the driver's seat whenever I got out of the car and never moved until I returned....barking at anyone who came too close. Anyone who has had a connection with an animal understands this photo. God Bless not only the people who suffer in times of tragedy, but His magnificent animal kingdom as well.

If there was some way to get that little dog here to Michigan, I would take him but from what I understand there is an awful lot of government red tape to go through on both sides. He is like a poster child for all the disasters befalling the world today.

And what about the religious who say that dogs & horses do have souls and will share the graces of heaven with us?

I'm a Christian and I think God created animals and had Noah save them, so he will certainly have them in heaven. I know my dog is a gift from God - she is my best friend. She loves me unconditionally and irrationally, just like God.

I am a Christian who thinks that God wouldn't give us these precious gifts and then take them away forever. Animals do have souls and I will see my kitties up in heaven.

Oh, that picture and all of your comments are making me cry.

I don't know where I would be or how I would have made it through the last five years (which have been quite tragic for my family, but I will skip the details) without my two dogs.

My babies, my kids, my comfort in the storms of life. I truly belive God gave them to me (because I was never really a dog person until they came along) to help me endure, survive, and rise above the chaos of life on earth.

I wholeheartedly agree with you. I believe that at least some animals will be in heaven - particularly those in which unconditional love is involved.

I've never bought into the notion that animals don't have souls. After all, if we are to believe that Noah built an ark at the commandment of God to survive the 40 day / 40 night flood, we must also understand that the arc wasn't for a paltry few humans, IT WAS TO KEEP ALL THOSE ANIMALS ALIVE! Ergo, the arc's unique design and enormous size. Clearly, God had a very special place in His heart for his beautiful, living and loyal creations we call "animals."

I have always felt it was human arrogance that assumes that only people have souls.

Anne Raver

I think God is a lot more pleased with the animals he created than with the humans. Animals don't try to become something other than what God created them to be...human beings are constantly defying God.

Your words could have been said by me....i have an 11 year old very faithful kitty whom I have had since she was 5 weeks old and she is not a normal cat in the sense of the word. She too is glue to me and follows me everywhere as well as travels with me. I love our little furry creatures. They love us unconditionally.

leao found a home!!!!! when i read this I was so moved! its amazing as I thought the dog would die of grief! THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!!!!!! READ IT HERE

I can try. Let me know if you actually can and I'll try to get her.

I can probably get a friend to take me to Teresopolis to find this dog.

I live in an apt and already have a small male and although he would LOVE to have a new friend it's not possible;)

Tea Tarded, yes, I will take the dog. I just do not have money for transportation for it, so I don't know if it will be possible to get it here, etc. Not sure what agencies, if any, are available to assist. My two dogs are "Satos" from Puerto Rico, rescued by the Save A Sato organization that ships them to the US. I know there are organizations out there willing to assist. If you can get the dog to Boston's Logan airport or to Manchester, NH's airport, I will take him. I have 2 acres and walk my two dogs daily at a wonderful pond/park in my little NH town. It's a tranquil place and a wonderful place to raise children and animals. I have a family of three children and a disabled adult living with me and my husband, along with a cat we rescued...we are a good family, just not well off financially. But Leao would be loved and well taken care of with me and my family. It's the least I can do to take care of one dog who has been through so much. My husband and I sponsor two children, one in Guatemala and one in Haiti...so it's not that we don't care about human suffering, too. But again, we are not wealthy by US standards, and I do not have the funds to pay for airfare (not sure how much quarantine would cost?...I believe they must be quarantined for 30 days when they come over). Do you think you could look into some of this for me from your end in Brazil? Thank you so much!

I would imagine that someone local will have already taken care of the dog.