It’s one additional reminder of the magnitude of the loss suffered by inhabitants of the earthquake that rocked central Italy earlier this week. The death toll from quake, which had its epicenter in the town of Amatrice, four and a half miles northeast of Rome, rose to 241 by Wednesday.
That still leaves many behind to mourn their loss, including the four-legged friend in the heart-rending picture below. He refuses to leave his master’s side, even in death.
The Telegraph reports:
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Little is known of the victim whose companion still guards his casket except that he came from Accumoli, one of the communities that bore the brunt of the devastating quake. The quake was so strong that the town sank by 20 cm, according to Italy’s geological institute.
[…]
While the name of the dog is not known, the picture was a striking reminder of the bonds between man’s best friend and their owners — a connection epitomised by the story of the Victorian dog that held a 14-year vigil at the grave of his master in Edinburgh.
The article further notes that the Italian government has declared Saturday a day of national mourning. A state funeral to be attended by President Sergio Mattarella is planned to take place later today.
