Fala was more than a pet to the U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (Source: Pexels)Ask any pet parent, and they’ll tell you their four-legged companions are nothing less than family. Each one has a story to share—moments when their furry friends felt just like human companions. The bond they share is deeply emotional, almost poetic.
While every pet-owner relationship is special, there have been a few extraordinary stories where pets left the world in awe with their love, loyalty, and devotion. Around the globe, some of these incredible pets have even been honored with statues. Here are a few that celebrate their unforgettable legacy.
This short, shaggy dog from Scotland redefined the cherished bond between dogs and humans. Fondly called Greyfriars Bobby, this Skye Terrier refused to leave his deceased owner’s grave for 14 long years. The Scottish were so moved by his loyalty that they erected a life-size bronze statue in 1873, atop a drinking fountain near the grave.
Rubbing the nose of Bobby’s statue is considered good luck (Source: Pixabay)
A record-breaking cat with a job—Towser lived at Glenturret Distillery and caught over 28,000 mice in her lifetime, earning a Guinness World Record. In return, she received food, shelter, and admiration. A statue at the distillery honours the working cat who helped keep the whisky flowing.
Italians are known for their warmth and passion—and so was Carlo Soriani, who adopted Fido, a stray. The two quickly bonded, but tragedy struck in 1957 when Soriani died in a bombing. Fido waited at the bus stop for 14 years, hoping for his return. The town later honoured him with a beautiful statue.
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In the bustling city of Kraków stands a poignant statue of a despondent-looking dog cupped in a giant pair of hands. This was the spot where Dżok lost his owner. For a year, the heartbroken canine returned, waiting. Locals, moved by his loyalty, eventually installed the statue—despite initial resistance—as a tribute to their bond.
Hachiko’s is one of the most popular pet tales of all time. The Akita Dog waited every day at the station for nearly ten years after his owner passed away. He would refuse all efforts to rehome him and roam around the station. Tokyo’s Shibuya district now has a bronze statue of Hachiko, honouring his loyalty and devotion.
The original statue was unfortunately melted down during World War II as war supplies, and the current one was rebuilt in 1948 by the son of original sculptor (Source: Pexels)
In the university town of St. Andrews, a bronze statue celebrates Hamish McHamish, a beloved ginger tom who roamed freely and befriended locals and tourists alike. Shops featured “Hamish recommends” book picks, and students often stopped to greet him. After his passing, the town mourned—and immortalised him with a statue.
Anyone who’s spent time online has likely seen the photo of a chubby grey cat lounging on a sidewalk bench. That was Tombili, an internet-famous feline and local favourite in Istanbul. Though not a pet in the traditional sense, she captured hearts. After her death in 2016, fans petitioned for—and got—a statue in her iconic pose.
Many visitors pay their respects to the statue and leave offerings of food and water (Source: wikicommons)
Fala was more than a pet—he was the constant companion of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The terrier often appeared at events, on trips, and even featured in a film about White House life. A statue of Fala stands beside Roosevelt at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, making him the only presidential pet honoured this way.
After a tragic car crash killed his owners, this loyal German Shepherd waited at the same roadside spot for seven years. Locals called him “Kostya” and cared for him, bringing food and shelter, though he refused to be adopted. A statue titled Loyalty was later erected to commemorate his touching devotion.
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