Many of us are moved by the story of the eternal Hachiko, the Akita that Hollywood immortalized and who is still a symbol in Japan today. However, the story of Kostya, a German Shepherd in Russia, is just as moving and is still not as well known as for his Japanese companion. 🇯🇵

In the summer of 1995, Kostya was traveling by car with his owners when a tragic accident resulted in their deaths, leaving the dog as the only survivor. Over time, Togliatti residents noticed the dog on the side of the road and, upon discovering his story, informally adopted him, naming him Kostya, which means loyalty in Russian. 🇷🇺

Despite attempts by some residents to officially adopt him, Kostya always refused, preferring to return to his little place on the side of the street. Over the next 7 years, he remained in the same place, awaiting the return of his guardians. His story became news across the country, turning him into a local legend. 🐕

In 2002, the canine warrior was found dead in the woods next to the highway. The autopsy revealed that he died of natural causes, thus ending Kostya's moving journey. 🪦