There are numerous cases that show us that the fidelity of dogs has no limits. An internationally known example is that of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier that came to remain next to the grave of its owner until 14 years after his death. Today, this furry is a true icon of the city of Edinburgh.
The Bobby and John Gray Story
John Gray He was a gardener who emigrated to Edinburgh (Scotland) around 1850, together with his wife and son, hoping to improve the quality of life for his family. However, the soil in the city was damaged by the long winters, so Gray decided to join the local police force as a night watchman.
Years later, the family adopted a friendly Skye Terrier they named Bobby, who accompanied John through the streets of the city every night as he did his job. Unfortunately, the man died years later from tuberculosis. Since then, Bobby has remained at the grave of his former best friend.
The reaction of citizens
After the burial of John Gray, the inhabitants of the area thought that the animal would tire sooner or later, but the little one refused to leave the grave even during the worst weather conditions, making the Greyfriars Cemetery your home. Being unable to evict it, the cemetery manager would eventually build a shelter for the animal.
In addition to being cared for and fed by the citizens, Bobby went every day to the restaurant "Greyfriars Place", which he frequented for years with his master. After receiving food, he quickly returned to the cemetery, something that became a real spectacle for tourists.
Registration Act of 1867
In 1867 an event took place that especially shows the affection that the neighbors felt for the furry. In that year the Edinburgh authorities passed a law that required search all the dogs in town and to pay a license for it, due to the growing increase in street dogs. Those that were not officially owned by anyone would be euthanized.
Given this, since Bobby does not have a recognized owner, the mayor of Edinburgh himself, Sir William Chambers, paid his registration fee and declared it the property of the City Council. Since then the animal would wear a new collar with its name and license number.
Death
Legend has it that the little Skye Terrier died in 1872 next to the grave of John Gray, after which he would be better known over the years as "Greyfriars Bobby." He could not be buried next to his owner because the cemetery is considered holy land, but today his remains rest a few meters from those of his best friend. In 1981, the Dog Aid Society of Scotland added a small tombstone on which we can read:
"Greyfriars Bobby - died 14th January 1872 - aged 16 years - Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all".
(May your loyalty and devotion be an example to all of us)
Bobby's legacy
A year after Bobby's death, a fountain was built in his honor that housed, in turn, a statue of the famous dog, south of the George IV Bridge. It is currently an important tourist spot in Edinburgh, as legend has it that touching its nose brings good luck. In addition, in the Museum of Edinburgh we can see her necklace and her plate.
Some people think that this story has fantasy overtones, especially considering that, if the dates given are exact, Bobby lived for about 22 years. In any case, your story is an example of true fidelity, and it has come to our days in many different ways. As an example, the movies stand out Greyfriars Bobby (1961, directed by Don Chaffey) and The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby o Bobby, the cemetery keeper (2006, directed by John Henderson).