I must admit that I am a sucker for heart-warming animal stories. Real life stories of animals performing extraordinary acts as heroes, healers, and teachers have been some of my favorite reads ever. Among the best are tales of animals which bond with humans or with members of a different species. Who doesn’t enjoy a great animal love story?

Have you heard the story of a dog named Hachiko? At the end of each day, Hachiko greeted his person (Professor Ueno) at the train station. One day, Professor Ueno did not return due to his sudden death from a cerebral hemorrhage. Due to his remarkable loyalty, Hachiko returned to the train station every day at the same time for almost 10 years to await his friend’s return.

Have you heard about a crocodile named Pocho and his 20 year friendship with a human named Chito? Chito is a fisherman who found a badly injured crocodile with a bullet wound to the eye. After nursing the crocodile (Pocho) back to health, Chito released him into a pond behind his home where the two friends swam and played daily until Pocho died of natural causes in 2011. Who would believe a crocodile and a human could be best friends?

Do you know about the German Shepherd named Captain who is so dedicated to his person that he refuses to leave even after the man’s death? When his person died, Captain ran away from home and was later found at the cemetery. Every day at 6pm, Captain lies down on his person’s grave and remains there overnight. Captain has continued his nightly vigil for more than6 years. I sometimes wonder if animals have a greater ability to bond than we humans do. I really don’t know of many humans who would go to such lengths.

Have you heard about the rat snake (Aochan) which refused to eat a dwarf hamster at a Japanese zoo? Aochan decided to befriend the hamster (Gohan) instead and the two unlikely friends became roommates. Sometimes Gohan climbs on the snake’s back. At other times, the two friends curl up together. Observers report that they enjoy each other’s company very much.

Have you heard about the orangutan and the hound? An orangutan named Suryia went to live at The Institute of Greatly Endangered Species in Myrtle Beach, SC after he was orphaned. Suryia was so depressed that scientists did not think he would survive. One day a scrawny, stray dog (Roscoe) came out of the woods and Suryia welcomed him with open arms as if they had known each other forever. These two friends have been inseparable since the day they met.

I could go on and on with other examples of my favorite animal stories. Animals demonstrate their capacity to nurture other animals on a daily basis. Without a doubt, reflection upon the genuineness shown by animals can paradoxically make us all more human.Please feel free to share your own personal animal stories with me. Have a great rest of the week!

Animals and Their Ability to Bond