Refusing Food While Waiting for Owner of 10 Years... Netizens Praise the "Chinese Hachiko"

Refused food and water, waiting for his owner
Rescued from the bushes, recovering with a new family
"Reminds me of Hachiko" ? Chinese netizens praise Awang

A story has emerged from Shanghai, China, about a pet dog who continued to wait in front of his home even after his owner passed away. Chinese netizens praised Awang’s loyalty, calling him the “Chinese Hachiko,” comparing his devotion to that of Hachiko, the famous loyal dog from Japan.

Awang rescued from the bushes. Photo by SCMP

On January 19, Yonhap News TV, citing the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and others, introduced the story of a loyal Chinese dog that rivals the real-life tale of Hachiko, who waited for his deceased owner at a train station every day for ten years in 1920s Japan. Awang, a pet dog living in Baoshan District, Shanghai, had spent over ten years with an elderly man named Gao. However, around November last year, Gao suddenly passed away, leaving Awang alone. Unaware of his owner’s death, Awang stood guard in front of Gao’s apartment hallway every day, waiting for him to return. Local residents provided water and food, but Awang refused to eat or drink for several days.

As the severe cold set in, Awang avoided people’s attempts to help and eventually disappeared one day, prompting concerned residents to begin searching for him. Two days later, a resident who regularly fed stray animals found Awang shivering in the bushes and rescued him. Awang was then taken to the local residents’ committee office. Although he initially refused food, he eventually started eating ham and sausages, easing his hunger. A representative from the local pet protection center stated, “Awang appears to be suffering from psychological trauma due to his owner’s death,” and announced that a thorough medical examination would be conducted.

Movie Hachiko Story poster and Awang, rescued from the bushes while waiting for his owner, receiving treatment. SNS

Meanwhile, when Mr. Gao’s son declined to adopt Awang, a nearby resident named Huang decided to take him in. Huang said, “I hope Awang can regain stability in a loving home.” Awang’s story evokes memories of Hachiko, the loyal dog who waited for his owner at Shibuya Station in Japan for ten years in the 1920s. In Japan, a statue was erected in Hachiko’s honor, and his story was adapted into the 2009 film “Hachiko Story,” which touched audiences around the world. Chinese netizens expressed their support, saying, “Awang’s loyalty brought me to tears,” and “I hope he finds happiness with his new family.”