Here is a link to an article about a couple of other famous "dogs that waited".

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/...eyfriars-bobby

I have to say ... the dog on the bridge doesn't really look to be in bad shape. He could use a good brushing, but a lot of dogs could. He doesn't appear to be dirty or injured, and he certainly isn't thin. Someone is feeding him well, at any rate.