In Korat, Thailand, a stray dog named Moo Daeng has touched thousands with its extraordinary devotion, earning the moniker “Hachi of Korat.” The dog has become a poignant symbol of loyalty, mirroring Japan’s legendary Akita, Hachikō.
For months, Moo Daeng has held vigil outside a 7-Eleven convenience store in Nakhon Ratchasima province, waiting for its late owner, a homeless man, to return. The man, who often begged for food and money in the area, passed away in November 2023 after falling seriously ill. Despite his death, Moo Daeng remains steadfast, occupying the spot they once shared.
Viral sensation
The story gained widespread attention when the Facebook page “Korat: The City You Can Build” shared images and details originally posted by “Mari-Mo Photography.” A photograph of Moo Daeng, wrapped in a red blanket donated by kind locals, struck a chord online.
A yellow sign placed near the dog by the store owner reads, “Thank you all customers for your kindness, but Moo Daeng cannot eat liver and milk. Please help it live long.” The post has garnered over 23,000 likes, 1,200 comments, and 4,800 shares since January 14, as netizens praised Moo Daeng’s loyalty.
A tale of devotion
The bond between Moo Daeng and its owner echoes the story of Japan’s famed Hachikō, who waited for nearly a decade at Tokyo’s Shibuya Station after his owner, Professor Hidesaburō Ueno, passed away in 1925. Hachikō’s tale has been immortalized with a statue at Shibuya Station and remains a global symbol of fidelity.
Community support and concerns
Moved by Moo Daeng’s plight, the 7-Eleven staff and local residents have stepped in, providing food and blankets to protect the dog from the region’s chilly nights. However, commenters on social media have expressed concerns about Moo Daeng’s long-term welfare, urging someone to adopt the loyal canine to ensure its nutritional and medical needs are met.
Moo Daeng’s story is a touching reminder of the profound connections animals can share with humans, inspiring a wave of compassion and calls for action to support stray animals in the region.