What makes the story of the Russian dog waiting on a frozen river reminiscent of Hachiko?

The saying "A dog is a man's best friend" was given profound weight by Belka, a canine from Russia, who waited for days by the frozen river where her owner died. 

Belka's story has surfaced online as several users shared posts with its picture on social media platforms. The story has reminded the Internet of Hachiko, the Japanese dog, who waited at a train station daily for nearly ten years after his owner's death. 

What can the story of a Russian dog waiting on a frozen river after its owner's death teach us about loyalty and love?

The incident occurred when a 59-year-old man was cycling near the frozen river. The ice beneath him gave way, plunging him into the plunging waters. 

A passerby attempted to save him, but the river's currents were relentless, carrying him away. Rescue teams scoured the area for days, eventually recovering his body downstream in the Ufa River. 

"His relative held out a pole to Nikolai, but he was so frozen that he was physically unable to grab it," a local told The Sun. 

For four days, the dog stood by the riverbank, as though holding out hope for its owner's return, Even when her owner's family took it home, Belka repeatedly made its way back to the spot where she had last seen him. 

"Nikolai (the owner) took Belka as a puppy, I don't even remember where he got it from. But they had such love. It literally followed Nikolai and never left his side. It's been with him her whole life," the owner's brother told The Sun. 

He added, "I will take Belka to my place, but I'm not sure that I can replace Nikolai." 

The story gained widespread attention after several users shared Belka's vigil. See some of the posts here: