Yes. I know about that story. The film is based on a true story. It happened in Japan.
One thing I can't get out of my head is an incident that happened in our area. A house burned to the ground one evening and the entire family was killed. All except for two dogs. When they bought out the bodies, the dogs laid down next to them and began howling (like a wolves) to the moon. Long after they moved the bodies, the dogs continued to howl.
As for a cat being protective. We had a cat that would growl a warning when a stranger came to the door. And then there was the cat in the news that attacked a dog that was mauling his owner. A little boy.
Yes, dogs can get very attached and the death of their "humans" can really hurt them. I feel liked dogs are emotional creatures.
That is truly sad. I really hope those poor dogs got a good home.
Dogs are also pack animals so they often see their humans as their pack and like wolves will mourn them. It is sad but true. I always want my animals to be attached to my family members or friends in case something happened to me, it would be less of a transition for them.
Oh yes, some cats are truly amazing. And I did hear about that little boy being rescued by the cat.
Ohhh... *sob* That is so heartbreaking. It's wonderful how the parishioners are looking after him, but someone should adopt him and give him a new, loving home.
I've never seen Hachi, Marley and Me, War Horse or any of the animal movies that have been released in years. Even if they have happy endings, I find them much too distressing. It dates all the way back to seeing Bambi as a kid. I was inconsolable when Bambi's mother died.
I remember Bambi's mom dying really getting to me but it is a major story tool so it bothers me less and less. I've been desensitized!
I have trouble with animals getting hurt or dying in movies too and I didn't know that much about Hachi when I watched it. I haven't seen the others you mentioned.
But things like Free Willy and the like I've watched (Dolphin Tale & Big Miracle) because I love seeing humans come together to help or save an animal.