There’s a reason why dogs are called man’s best friend. They offer unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, and endless joy. Dogs are more than mere pets; they are family members who occupy a special place in our hearts.

It’s no wonder that countless stories have been written about the bond between human and canine. Here are some of the most heartwarming dog tales of all time.

The story of Hachiko

Hachiko was an Akita dog who lived in Tokyo in the 1920s. He belonged to a professor named Hidesaburo Ueno who commuted to work every day by train. Hachiko would always see him off at the station and return to meet him when he got back in the evening.

One day, Ueno died suddenly at work and never came back. But Hachiko didn’t know that. Every day for the next nine years, Hachiko went to the station at the exact time Ueno’s train arrived, waiting patiently for his master’s return.

Even after the professor’s death, Hachiko’s loyalty and love remained steadfast.

The tale of Balto

In January 1925, an epidemic of diphtheria broke out in Nome, Alaska. The only way to get the medication for the patients was to transport it by dog sled. Balto, a Siberian husky, led the final stretch of the 674-mile journey to deliver the serum.

He and his team ran through a blizzard with temperatures of 30 below zero, and managed to get the medicine to the patients just in time. As a result, Balto became a national hero and a beloved symbol of courage and determination. A statue of Balto still stands in Central Park, New York City, to honour his bravery.

The story of Greyfriars Bobby

In the mid-19th century in Edinburgh, Scotland, a Skye terrier named Bobby became famous for his devotion to his owner, John Gray. When Gray died and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard, Bobby refused to leave his master’s grave.

He stayed there for 14 years, surviving on scraps from nearby restaurants and the kindness of the local community. Bobby’s story touched many hearts, and when he died, he was buried not far from his owner. A memorial statue of Bobby stands in front of Edinburgh’s City Chambers, reminding all who visit of his undying loyalty and love.

The tale of Pickles

In March 1966, the Jules Rimet Trophy, which was to be awarded to the winners of the World Cup, was stolen from an exhibition display in London. The theft caused a global uproar, and Scotland Yard launched a massive search to recover the trophy.

It was a black and white collie named Pickles who found it. While out for a walk with his owner, Pickles sniffed around a neighbour’s garden and discovered the trophy wrapped in newspaper. Thanks to his keen sense of smell, Pickles became a household name and a national hero in the UK.

The story of Stubby

Sergeant Stubby was a stray bull terrier who became the official mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment in World War I. He was trained to locate wounded soldiers on the battlefield, warn of gas attacks, and even catch German spies.

Stubby became a beloved figure among the troops, and was even promoted to sergeant in recognition of his bravery. After the war, Stubby became a celebrity, appearing in parades and giving demonstrations of his skills. He passed away in 1926, but his legacy as a hero and loyal companion lives on.

The tale of Gobi

In 2016, a runner named Dion Leonard was participating in a 155-mile ultra-marathon across the Gobi Desert in China. During the race, he met a stray dog who started following him. Leonard named her Gobi and the two formed an instant bond.

Gobi ended up running with Leonard for more than 50 miles, even completing a 24-mile stage of the race with him. After the race, Leonard decided to adopt Gobi and take her back to his home in Scotland. Thanks to social media, Gobi’s story went viral and inspired millions of people around the world.

The story of Gwen

Gwen was a collie who lived on a remote Welsh farm with her owner, David Thomas. In 2002, Thomas suffered a stroke and collapsed in his fields. Gwen stayed by his side for a week, keeping him warm and fetching water from a nearby stream.

When Thomas didn’t return home, a neighbour started looking for him and found Gwen lying next to him. Thomas was taken to the hospital and made a full recovery, thanks in no small part to Gwen’s unwavering devotion. To honour her bravery and loyalty, Gwen was awarded the RSPCA’s National Animal Award for 2003.

The tale of Laika

Laika was a stray dog who became the first animal to orbit Earth in 1957 aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2. Her story is a tragic one, as she was not expected to survive the journey and died within a few hours due to overheating.

Nevertheless, Laika’s sacrifice paved the way for human spaceflight and her memory remains a symbol of courage and exploration. A statue of Laika stands in Moscow, Russia, to honour her place in history.

The story of Betsy

Betsy was a black Labrador who belonged to a man named Kevin Brady. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Brady’s house in New Orleans was destroyed and he was stranded in the city with no way out. Betsy, however, was determined to help.

She swam through floodwaters with a rope in her mouth, leading rescuers to Brady and helping to save his life. Thanks to Betsy’s bravery and quick thinking, Brady was able to safely evacuate the city and reunite with his family.

The tale of Togo

Togo was a Siberian husky who led his team on the longest and most dangerous leg of the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska.

While Balto is often credited with being the hero of the serum run, it was Togo who covered the most distance and faced the toughest terrain. He led his team through blizzards, over treacherous ice, and across mountains, ultimately covering a total of 264 miles. Togo retired from dog sledding after the serum run, but his legacy as a brave and loyal companion lives on.