A loyal German shepherd named Capitan waited by his owner’s grave for twelve years until he passed away.
The 15-year-old dog, who lived in the town of Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina, first gained worldwide attention in 2012 when local newspapers reported his incredible devotion.
Miguel Guzmán passed away in 2006, and soon after, Capitan disappeared from his family home. Veronica, Guzmán’s widow, later found him at the cemetery, sitting by the grave. Despite multiple attempts to bring him home, Capitan always found his way back to the cemetery, which was about 15 blocks from the house.
The cemetery caretakers took care of Capitan, feeding him and ensuring he received annual vaccinations. However, years of graveyard life took a toll on his health. As time passed, Capitan lost his eyesight and struggled to walk. Veterinarian Cristian Stempels, who treated him in his final years, diagnosed him with chronic kidney failure. For four years, Capitan received medical treatment and special food to manage his condition.
On his last day, Capitan remained at the cemetery. “He was an iconic dog in Carlos Paz, and since he spent most of his life in the cemetery, we decided he should remain here in his final moments,” Stempels explained. The loyal dog was buried the same day, and the town mourned his passing.
The mystery of how Capitan found his owner’s grave remained unsolved. Retired cemetery caretaker Héctor Banegas recalled, “We have no idea how he found the tomb because his owner did not pass away in Carlos Paz but in Cordoba. From there, he was transferred directly to the cemetery without returning home. It is a mystery how Capitan remembered his master’s scent even months later.”
Residents of Carlos Paz compared Capitan to Japan’s famous Hachiko, the Akita dog who waited for his owner at a train station for nine years after his death.
Capitan’s story serves as a reminder that true loyalty knows no bounds. If there is ever a representation of love in this universe, it is undoubtedly reflected in the eyes of a dog who refuses to leave the side of his beloved master. ❤️