
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

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】
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport opens new Terminal 1 North Satellite next month
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Foreign travelers arrested in Japan following smash-and-grab robbery in Tokyo shopping mall
Starting this fall, you’ll be able to take a Pokémon Jet flight to Japan
Pizza Hut Japan creates moon-viewing sukiyaki chrysanthemum pizza for tsukimi season
Anime and Hollywood movies cross over in new Universal Studios Japan merch collection
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
Police in Japan looking for who’s responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on side of road [Video]
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Anime fans can now wear a Seiko watch inspired by Japan’s One Piece Shinkansen
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Happy Java sparrow Day! Pet owners celebrate their adorable birds on Twitter【Photos】
Another otaku bird? Hayao Miyazaki-loving cockatiel in Japan sings Studio Ghibli cover【Vid】
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