Hachi - You can't judge a movie by it's rating.

Rainy days and long weekends are a good time to settle in and watch a good movie or two.    This past weekend, we watched “Hachi”.    Rated G, we felt it would be a good movie for the entire family – including grandchildren.   How wrong we were.    Animals have always been a part of our lives and we have worked to instill compassion for all creatures.    Hachi demonstrated the loyalty of a dog for his master; humans, in turn, demonstrated, in grand form, their inhumanity.

 Based on a true story in 1924, Hachi entered the life of a man in a most unexpected way.  A bond developed and every day, Hachi accompanied his master to the train station.   Then Hachi would return to the train station to accompany his master back home from work.  In 1925, one short year later, the master died at work.   He would never return.       Hachi waited and waited.   Every day, year after year, the dog remained.    His loyalty was admired.   The dismissive, selfish behavior toward Hachi by family and friends was truly disappointing.    No one – I mean no one – stepped up to provide Hachi with basic care.   The immediate family, buried in their own grief, turned their backs on this remarkable animal.    The daughter had taken Hachi in and then decided Hachi was depressed, so she opened the gate and turned him loose.    Hachi made his way back to the train depot where he maintained his vigil for 9 years.    People familiar with seeing Hachi, would talk to him, bring some food and treats, but no one cared enough to be responsible for Hachi.   

Hachi died on March 8, 1935. He was found on a street.  His heart was infected and sticks were found in his stomach.

 Although set back in the 30’s, this movie isn’t that far removed from our attitude and behavior today.   Animals are in need and we choose to go about our business.  We choose not to expend the energy to provide assistance.    For those of us that care about the welfare of animals, let’s step up.   

 People need to make provisions for their pets if something should happen to them.   This is something that everybody should be doing.    This painfully sad scenario happens.   Hachi waited 7 days a week for nine whole years before dying.   Animals tell us in various ways, some of us understand, but sadly many do not understand their feelings.  Their basic needs go unmet.  

 We still allow our animals to roam free or else keep them confined in kennels and crates.  We allow them to reproduce again and again.  Our interaction with them may be minimal at best.   Busy lives require choices.  Getting an animal, any animal, is a choice.    Choose wisely.    If you don’t have the time or the means to care for an animal, don’t.  Hachi had one person, and one person only.   Even family and friends, people who loved and cared about the owner, had very callous hearts.    

 If you see an animal in need, report it.   If you know of an animal in need, do what you can.    If it’s your animal, take care of it.    Loyalty – keep that in mind.

Be responsible.   Have your pets spayed or neutered.

"Shirley Taggart is an animal advocate.    She is committed to helping animals and the people who care about them."       shirleysblog2011@yahoo.com