Captain slept beside his master’s grave for 10 years till his death. He didn’t want to leave his master alone at night.
Dogs have much to teach us. As children, they are our closest companions, seemingly attuned to our every emotion. They stand by us when we feel alone, eagerly await our return from school or work, and even help us overcome shyness by nudging us toward new friendships. And for adults, they remain our devoted friends. It’s no wonder we feel such affection for them.
The Story of Captain and Miguel
One such beloved companion was Capitan, an Alsatian with a sleek, dark coat and wise, understanding eyes. He was always at Miguel Guzman’s side, the two of them inseparable as Miguel grew older.
Sadly, Guzman died in 2006 in Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina, when Capitan was four years old, and Captain went missing after that. The family believed he had either found a new home or been killed. However, to their surprise, several months later, Capitan was found at the cemetery, where he had been sleeping by his owner’s grave every night.
When the Alsatian saw Miguel’s family, he rushed to them, “barking and wailing, as if he were crying,” although he didn’t follow them back home. The next Sunday, when the family visited Church, Captain returned home with them but stayed only till it got dark.
“I don’t think he wanted to leave Miguel on his own at night,” added Miguel’s wife.
This steadfast loyalty not only touched Miguel’s family but also to the cemetery caretakers, who ensured he received proper care and nourishment. Yet, Capitan never wandered far from Miguel’s grave, sleeping there every night and keeping watch during the day.
Captain slept beside his master’s grave for 10 years till his death
Capitan’s unwavering devotion made him an icon of loyalty. But what remains a mystery is how he managed to locate Miguel’s grave in the first place. Miguel passed away in a different town and was directly transferred to the cemetery, with no wake or procession for Capitan to follow. And yet, he found his way back to the companion he was so fiercely loyal to.
The cemetery’s director Hector Baccega revealed that Captain turned up in the cemetery one day on his own, and started wandering all around the cemetery until he found his master’s tomb.
After 10 years of staying by Miguel’s grave, Capitan passed away, mourned not just by his family but also by the town as a beloved member of the community. He was a testament to the love that unites all living beings.
What can we learn from Captain?
As humans, we can learn from Capitan’s example. We can make an effort to maintain our relationships and stay vigilant in our friendships, safeguarding cherished memories and protecting our affections. Capitan’s story reminds us that even when we face challenging circumstances, we can always find our way back to unconditional love.
