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Dog Keeps Vigil at Owner's Grave in Brazil

Stunned nation struggles with death, homelessness in water catastrophe

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 17, 2011 3:04 AM CST

(Newser) – Amid the horrors of Brazil's flooding and mudslides that have claimed more than 630 lives, a loyal mutt's lonely vigil at his owner's grave stands as mute testimony to the nation's hopeless loss and confusion. Leao has been lying next to his owner's hastily made grave at the Teresopolis cemetery since Cristina Maria Cesario Santana was killed in a mudslide. Some 15,000 have been left homeless in the catastrophic rains. New precipitation is now hampering efforts to rescue hundreds still trapped by high waters and mudslides, reports AP.

Officials are scrambling to arrange some kind of shelter for the newly homeless. The mayor of Teresopolis, where some 3,000 have been left homeless, has brought in 2,000 tents capable of each sheltering 10 people. "We have nowhere else to go, no resources," said a local homeless mom of six. "I am trying to keep the children clean, to feed them, to make sure we're all together. But I can't hold on like this much longer."

Loyal Leao lies next to the grave of his owner, Cristina Maria Cesario Santana.
Loyal Leao lies next to the grave of his owner, Cristina Maria Cesario Santana.   (Getty)
A dog stands next to coffins containing bodies of landslides victims at a cemetery in Nova Friburgo, Brazil.
A dog stands next to coffins containing bodies of landslides victims at a cemetery in Nova Friburgo, Brazil.   (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
ibivi
Jan 18, 2011 12:22 PM CST
What a touching image. I hope someone looks after him when he finishes his vigil.
Diane Donnelly Sharif
Jan 17, 2011 8:03 PM CST
It is almost like her dog is comforting her owner in the grave and mourning her as well.
schmidtkoff
Jan 17, 2011 7:13 PM CST
terribly sad the sight of the dog grieving by his owner's grave. i hope all who can be rescued are, including the animals. hope someone takes this one to another loving home. reminds me of a mausoleum in mt. hope cemetery in roch. ny. the crypt was guarded by his loving dog masterfully sculpted in iron. it was stolen by greedy thieves who probably wanted to profit from the metal or add to their misbegotten collections. disgraceful.

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