Greatness

Being out of words is how I would define myself right now, after learning the story of a legendary Dog who awaited the return of his resting-in-peace master for TEN years everyday.

I'm sure many of you are already acquainted with the context I am referring to: Hachikō, a Japanese Akita Dog who set the highest limit of loyalty and love in our world. He was not just a Dog as he raised himself to the level of a sensible, strong, hopeful, lively and a caring HUMAN, or perhaps I would not hesitate in calling him greater than a human himself. He is the best example of fidelity and honesty to us. He inspired many writers and novelists to write about him, well-known artists to make a movie narrating his prestigous devotion. He inspired The Japanese to publish a documented census of Akitas in Japan and the teachers and parents to use his vigil as an example for children to follow. A bronze statue in his likeness was erected at Shibuya Station and Hachikō himself was present at its unveiling. A well-known Japanese artist rendered a sculpture of the dog, and throughout the country a new awareness of the Akita breed grew. The exact spot where Hachikō waited in the train station is permanently marked with bronze paw-prints and text in Japanese explaining his loyalty. Each year on April 8, Hachikō's devotion is honored with a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Tokyo's Shibuya railroad station. Hundreds of dog lovers often turn out to honor his memory and loyalty.

I can't conclude this blog because such a thing has no ending. My words are too petty to describe as great as someone like him, let alone describing himself. All that I can say is that, this is not about people who love dogs and who don't (even though those who don't love dogs are sure to raise a salute to Hachi), but this is about people like me, like Hachikō and like everyone who knows about him and prays for his soul to rest in peace everyday. Amen.