Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Dog saves owner from tsunami

  1. #1

    Dog saves owner from tsunami

    Original with photo

    Dog saves owner from tsunami

    Toru Asami / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

    MIYAKO, Iwate--Babu does not normally like going for walks, but when the 12-year-old shih tzu insisted on going for one soon after the March 11 earthquake, her owner, Tami Akanuma, suspected something was amiss.

    And when Babu stubbornly headed for a nearby hill rather than taking their usual route in the coastal city of Miyako, Akanuma decided to follow along.

    Doing so may have saved Akanuma's life: Minutes after climbing the hill, a devastating tsunami slammed into the town, flattening the district of Taro-Kawamukai where they lived about 200 meters from the coast.

    "Babu might have sensed a tsunami was coming," said Akanuma, 83.

    Akanuma was relaxing in her living room when the quake struck off the Tohoku coast. The lights went out and Babu started scampering around the room, whimpering loudly and madly wagging her tail.

    "It's a bit early for a walk," Akanuma thought, but she put Babu on her leash anyway. While they were in the entrance to Akanuma's home, a warning that a huge tsunami was heading for the Pacific coast was broadcast over the town's community speaker system.

    Akanuma experienced the 1933 Showa Sanriku quake, which triggered a tsunami that left more than 900 people dead or missing in the Taro district. Her memories of that disaster meant they only had one option.

    "We need to evacuate," Akanuma recalled thinking.

    As soon as she opened the door, Babu frantically ran outside and headed toward a nearby hill--the opposite direction they usually go for a walk.

    When Akanuma's pace slackened, Babu would look back, seemingly urging her owner to walk faster. When Akanuma caught up, Babu would bound ahead again, straining at her leash.

    This game of hurry-up-and-catch-me continued over and over. When Akanuma finally took a breather, she had climbed the hill where an evacuation center is located about one kilometer from her home.

    Turning around, Akanuma could barely believe her eyes: Most of the route she and Babu had walked had been swallowed up by the tsunami and her home had been consumed by the wall of muddy water.

    Akanuma believes her pooch could tell something was wrong that day.

    Babu is staying with Akanuma and about 60 locals at a hall being used as a shelter.

    Babu turned 12 Wednesday. She seemed quite pleased to celebrate the event in her favorite pink outfit, which had been freshly washed for the big day.

    (Mar. 28, 2011)

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2000
    Location
    Windham, Vermont, USA
    Posts
    40,828
    Yes, we talked about this on the radio show I am on that will air this Saturday! Dogs must think we are so stupid "Come on, Mom, climb this hill, hurry!" I love the picture, they even look alike!
    I've Been Frosted

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    California
    Posts
    11,778
    Awww, happy tears here. That is so awesome!
    Our goal in life should be - to be as good a person as our dog thinks we are.

    Thank you for the siggy, Michelle!


    Cindy (Human) - Taz (RB Tabby) - Zoee (RB Australian Shepherd) - Paizly (Dilute Tortie) - Taggart (Aussie Mix) - Jax (Brown & White Tabby), - Zeplyn (Cattle Dog Mix)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Delaware, USA - The First State/Diamond State - home of The Blue Hens
    Posts
    9,321
    What a great story - and of course a great dog - a Shih Tzu no less!!!!!
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Wolfy ~ Fuzzbutt #3
    My little dog ~ a heartbeat at my feet

    Sparky the Fuzzbutt - PT's DOTD 8/3/2010
    RIP 2/28/1999~10/9/2012
    Myndi the Fuzzbutt - Mom's DOTD - Everyday
    RIP 1/24/1996~8/9/2013
    Ellie - Mom to the Fuzzbuttz

    To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
    Ecclesiastes 3:1
    The clock of life is wound but once and no man has the power
    To know just when the hands will stop - on what day, or what hour.
    Now is the only time you have, so live it with a will -
    Don't wait until tomorrow - the hands may then be still.
    ~~~~true author unknown~~~~

  5. #5
    What an amazing story!
    http://petoftheday.com/talk/signaturepics/sigpic9646_1.gif
    Forever in my heart...
    Casey.Ginger.Corey.Mandy.Sassy
    Lacey.Angel.Missy.Jake.Layla

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Houston, Tx. U.S.A.
    Posts
    244
    A very touching story, but, it doesn't surprise me in the least.
    These animals have SO much to teach us, IF we would only listen.
    Sneakers, Becca, Ichabod & NA'vi

    Dogs know that you love them, whether you own them or not
    If you’re not watching FREE TV, you should be !

Similar Threads

  1. Rescued Tsunami dog reunited with owner
    By Catty1 in forum General
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 04-05-2011, 06:50 AM
  2. Dog saves his owner from being killed..
    By Husky_mom in forum Dog House
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 07-23-2010, 11:52 AM
  3. Old Dog Saves Owner From Katrina....sweet
    By elizabethann in forum Dog General
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 09-13-2005, 05:30 PM
  4. 10 year old saves hundreds from Tsunami
    By Laura's Babies in forum General
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 01-05-2005, 09:35 AM
  5. Article : Dog saves boy from Tsunami
    By wolfie in forum General
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 01-04-2005, 04:09 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Copyright © 2001-2013 Pet of the Day.com