Our shelter veterinarian contacted us after a couple brought their five-year-old Labrador retriever to him for euthanisation. This was due to several biting incidents, some of which left the victims so seriously injured that they had to be hospitalised. We then took Hachiko in. When he was handed over, I noticed he was constantly shaking his head and scratching his ears. A subsequent examination by the vet revealed a severe ear infection. Hachiko must have been in a lot of pain.

We treated his ears over several weeks until the infection had subsided. Nevertheless, we had to handle Hachiko carefully. Since we were told that confined spaces and food were problematic for him, nobody was allowed to enter his kennel. He was put on a leash for walks outside the kennel and his food was placed inside while he was out. This way, we had no problems with him. He was a perfect dog on walks. He never pulled on the leash and was always friendly towards other dogs and people.

Given his history, I had feared Hachiko would have to stay at the shelter for a long time — after all, who wants a dog that might bite? — but the first prospective adopters came forward after just four weeks. They were so enthusiastic that they adopted him soon afterwards. We haven't heard of any problems with him so far.