
Five years ago, a dog and bird met for the first time, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Here is their story.
While on a walk with his owner, Momo suddenly ran to a spot and started barking. Her owner, Mr. Yamashita, approached to check what had got Momo so worked up. Sure enough, there was a weak bird on the ground, unable to fly. Yamashita named the bird Suzume.
Yamashita took the bird home, hoping to nurse it back to health. However, even though he was able to keep him alive, Suzume would never be able to fly, so Yamashita registered with a volunteer wildlife protection organization near his home in Chiba Prefecture in order to learn how to properly care for Suzume.
At first, Yamashita was concerned that Momo might hurt the little bird, but that didn’t turn out to be the case at all. Momo affectionately watched over Suzume, licking his little body like a puppy. For his part, Suzume seems quite attached to Momo, hardly ever leaving her side.
And that’s how they’ve carried on for the last five years. Momo is now about 8 years old, while Suzume is presumed to be about 5. In the wild, his species would live about 1-3 years, but both dog and bird still seem to be in good health and spirits despite their advanced ages. Yamashita hopes that they will continue to do so for a long time to come.
Source, video and image: Karapaia

Bird pastries at Tokyo’s Patisserie Swallow Tail are (almost) too cute to eat 【Pics】
Dog sleeps in odd position, becomes a meme flying through a variety of dream worlds
Parrot perched on a door in Japan forgets how to be a bird, remembers how to be awesome 【Video】
Shiba Inu in the snow: Japanese dogs melt hearts with their love for the cold【Pics & Video】
When an old, bedridden dog and puppy meet, it’s as heartwarming as can be【Videos】
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Self-proclaimed Americans arrested for breaking into Punch the monkey’s Japanese zoo habitat
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Six towering historical warrior floats will grace Fukui’s Mikuni Festival for three days
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Cute Miniature Shiba Inu dog sisters from Japan never leave each other’s side
Happy Java sparrow Day! Pet owners celebrate their adorable birds on Twitter【Photos】
Adorable Shiba Inu and tortoise duo prove you don’t have to look alike to be best friends【Pics】
Lost dog appears to turn itself in to local police, recruit their help with finding its owner
Another otaku bird? Hayao Miyazaki-loving cockatiel in Japan sings Studio Ghibli cover【Vid】
Japanese Shiba Inu shows even the dog world’s biggest goofs can have elegant table manners【Video】
Japanese cat enjoys walks in the rain with his adorable tiny umbrella【Photos】
Japan’s anime-loving penguin Grape-kun passes away at Tobu Zoo
Official Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball cosplay outfits from Japan turn your pet into an anime hero