In recent days, there has been a lot of buzz about Muc, a dog from Long An province who guarded the grave of a 2-year-old baby boy for almost three years. This story has gained popularity as it showcases that animals have emotions and know how to love. Our research at PV Legal News indicates that Muc is owned by Mrs. Nguyen Thi Ut, who lives in hamlet 1, Tan Thanh commune, Tan Thanh district, Long An province. We had the opportunity to visit Mrs. Ut’s home in mid-November to hear more about this thrilling story. The house is remote and located several kilometers away from the main road. On the day we visited, Muc came out to greet us like he knew us. Mrs. Ut explained that he had become braver due to the recent influx of visitors who came to learn, film and take pictures. Prior to that, he was fiercely protective and wouldn’t let strangers enter the house.
According to her, the name of the dog is Muc and the story of it lying on her grandson’s grave for almost three years is true. She shared that Muc used to come home during hot weather but during cooler times, it would stay lying on her grandson Kiet’s grave. Unfortunately, Kiet drowned in a canal when he was less than three years old and since then, Muc has not left the grave for nearly three years. She took us to the field behind the house where her grandson’s grave covered with white marble slabs was located. Mrs. Ut pointed to the lid of the tomb and said that Muc lies on it, with its head facing towards the head of the grave. The stone has been marked by the constant presence of Muc. Despite being sunburned and losing all its hair due to the scorching heat, Muc still stays at the grave. Mrs. Ut even made a temporary roof out of a coconut boat for Muc to shelter from the sun, but instead of using it, Muc chose to stay on Kiet’s grave regardless of the weather conditions.
After Mrs. Ut shared her words, the Squid quickly left the house and made a beeline for the grave. It was obvious that the Squid was thrilled to see its owner and it even jumped onto the grave to show its happiness. The Squid then lowered its head and gazed into the distance while Mrs. Ut affectionately caressed it and praised it as if it were her child. According to Mrs. Ut, the Squid has followed this routine for almost three years, only coming inside to eat before returning to the grave. Mrs. Ut attested to the Squid’s affectionate nature, stating that it was apparent in its behavior. Before Kiet and Muc’s untimely deaths, they were like close friends who went everywhere together. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Ro confirmed that his son, Kiet, had a special bond with Squid since he was two years old when his father adopted the dog. Despite being sickly and thin at the time, Kiet developed a strong attachment to Squid and would spend all day cuddling and caring for him.
As per Mr. Re’s account, when the family went to bury baby Kiet, the Squid followed them and later sat in a corner of the field with its eyes fixed on the grave. After three days of building the grave, the Squid went missing from the house and could be found lying on the baby’s grave from morning to evening, without making any noise. Though the family did not realize it initially, they later figured out that the Squid had developed a special affection for their grandchild. Over the past three years, even after its passing, the Squid still remains by Kiet’s side, and the family considers it as a member of their family. They have even decided to bury the Squid near Kiet’s grave when it dies.