A dog’s loyalty is truly unmatched, and stories of their devotion often leave us teary-eyed. Whether it’s Japan’s famous Hachiko, who waited every day at a train station for a master who never returned, or Belka, a dog from Russia, their unwavering love reminds us of the deep bond between humans and their pets.
The story of Belka is heartbreaking. She refused to leave the spot on the Ufa River where her owner tragically fell through thin ice while trying to take a shortcut on his bicycle. Despite her owner’s family repeatedly taking her home, the loyal dog kept returning to the icy riverbank, waiting for her beloved human, reported Daily Mail.
The 59-year-old man, whose name has not been revealed, was crossing the frozen river in the Bashkiria region when the ice, just three-quarters of an inch thick, gave way. A passerby attempted to rescue him but got into trouble as well. While the rescuer survived, Belka’s owner was swept away by the strong current under the 23-foot-deep ice.
For four days, rescue teams battled the harsh conditions to search the river’s bottom. Eventually, they found his body downstream. On the other hand, Belka’s loyalty throughout the ordeal touched everyone who saw her.
While her story is heart-wrenching, it’s also a reminder of the unconditional love dogs give us—love that persists, even in the face of loss.