3-Year-Old Golden Retriever Honoured For Rescuing Missing Elderly Woman In Japan
What a good gurl.
By Celine Low — 22 Nov 2024, 11:36 AM
A 3-year-old golden retriever named dog Omochi has been hailed a hero after her keen senses led to the rescue of a missing elderly woman in Mito City, Japan
Omochi and her owner, Risa Nagayama, were invited to the Mito police station in Ibaraki Prefecture on 19 November, where the heroic canine was awarded a letter of appreciation and a well-deserved 3kg of dog food by the authorities.
According to Mainichi Shimbun, Mito police chief Komori Masahiko, a dog owner himself, praised Omochi for her attentiveness. "The place where the woman was rescued was close to a large road and she was in a dangerous situation. Thank you for rescuing her."
On 12 October, Omochi and Risa were strolling through the streets of Mito City when the canine noticed an 83-year-old woman sitting alone on the sidewalk
While Omochi is usually known for her exuberant greetings, she reacted differently upon seeing the elderly woman. "Omochi is a 'tomboy' who jumps on people when she sees them," Risa said. "However, when she found the woman, she approached her, sniffing anxiously and snuggling up to her."
Despite the cool evening air, the elderly woman was dressed in light clothing and told Risa that she was waiting for her son. Concerned by Omochi's unusual behaviour and the woman's light clothing, Risa suspected that the elderly woman might have dementia.
She called the police and stayed by the woman's side until they arrived. And Risa and Omochi's instincts were right.
The woman had been reported missing by her family earlier that day. Thanks to Omochi's attentiveness and Risa's quick thinking, she was safely reunited with her loved ones.
