In a fateful encounter, a dying sparrow is discovered by a dog. Now living together, the dog watches over the sparrow like a mother. (Chiba Prefecture)

Translated from the original article at: http://karapaia.livedoor.biz/archives/52117938.html

February 14, 2013

A dog and a bird met 5 years ago. During a walk, Momo (female, 5 years old at the time) suddenly became agitated, barking and running around the area. Momo's owner, Mr. Yamashita, took a look around and found a weakened sparrow that was unable to fly.

Mr. Yamashita returned home with the sparrow, who Momo seemed eager to take care of. The bird was able to recover, but was still unable to fly. Not able to return to the wild, it was registered with Chiba Prefecture's Volunteer Wildlife Protection Group and scheduled to be taken in.

From the beginning, Momo presented no danger to the sparrow. On the contrary, she seemed concerned with it's welfare. Mr. Yamashita hesitated on transferring it to the center. Momo's feelings towards the sparrow deepened, always transfixed and licking at it. Seeming to be completely endeared by the sparrow, Momo never leaves it's side.

5 years have passed since then. Now, Momo is 9 years old. The sparrow is estimated to be 5, greatly exceeding the 1-3 year lifespan of wild sparrows.  Compared to humans, both the dog and sparrow have reached an advanced age. But even today, they're said to still be spending their lives together in great health. Mr. Yamashita wishes they can continue to live as full of energy as they are now.


Original text:
運命の出会い、瀕死のスズメを発見し母のように見守りながら共に生きる犬（千葉県）
2013年02月14日

1匹と1羽が出会ったのは5年前。散歩中のモモさん（メス、当時5歳）が突然走りだしある場所でワンワン吠えはじめた。飼い主の山下さんがついていって確認してみると、そこには弱って飛べなくなっている1羽のスズメが。

モモさんを手当しようと家に連れて帰ってきた山下さん。治療したものの飛べるようにならなかった為、千葉県の鳥獣保護ボランティア団体に登録し、このスズメを保護することに。

当初はモモさんがスズメに危害を加えないかと心配していたそうなのだが、ところがどっこい。モモさんはスズメを愛情深いまなざしで見つめ、ペロペロと体を舐める。スズメの方もモモさんにすっかり懐いているようで、モモさんの側を離れない。

それから5年。今ではモモさんも8歳、スズメの方も推定5歳と、スズメの野生の寿命（1～3年）を大きく上回り、今日も元気に一緒に暮らしているという。人間だと1匹と1羽は高齢にあたる。飼い主の山下さんも、このままずっと元気で生きていてくれたらと願うばかりだ。