It’s commonly known that dogs are man’s best friend, but they can also become a favorite subject for cameras, as Google Maps users have found something heartwarming.
An adorable golden retriever was spotted in more than 1,000 Google Street Views after it accompanied a Google Maps photographer around a South Korean island.
This charming dog took on the role of an unofficial tour guide, leading the visitor through Jukdo, an island situated near Ulleungdo in the Sea of Japan.
Jukdo, once referred to as Boussole Rock, attracts tourists eager to experience its coastal scenery, fields, and cliffs.
Measuring just 0.456 miles in length and 0.3 miles in width, Jukdo is so small and intimate that in 2004, it was home to only three family members.
Visitors interested in seeing the island must take a 20-minute ferry ride from Ulleungdo to reach it.
However, what many people remember most about the island is when a social media user explored Google Maps and noticed the same dog repeatedly appearing as it followed the photographer.
This discovery was shared on Reddit, with the user stating, “This dog followed the Google Earth guy.”
One commenter mentioned they were familiar with the golden retriever, known as Maru, who served as the island’s ‘unofficial guide dog’ and had lived there for seven years.
They added, “Maru is known to be super friendly to tourists and locals. There is another dog named Mingki on another island who also guides tourists.”
Another commenter agreed, saying, “She naturally loves everyone and everything, especially walks with complete strangers.”
One user remarked, “I only want Google to direct me via golden retriever now.”
Another person added, “Street view would be way cooler if this good girl was in every shot.”
Nonetheless, this touching story might have taken a melancholic turn.
Several months back, a Reddit user inquired about whether Maru had passed away, having seen the dog on Google Maps years before.
They posted, “Story from 7 years ago. In memory of Maru. From the island of Jukdo, South Korea, this adorable golden retriever took on the role of an unofficial guide dog, leading a Google Maps photographer on a journey captured in over 1,000 pictures.
“Does anyone know the source on if Maru has passed away?”
One commenter seemed to confirm the sad news, writing, “Sadly, Maru passed away in 2021.”
Another agreed, noting, “Yes, I read it from Korean news/media. He was from Korea and lived in Jukdo (one of the family islands—Dokdo, Ulleungdo, and Jukdo—in East Sea; yes, all of them are Korea’s) with his/her family.”
Fortunately, Maru is fondly remembered for guiding visitors around the island.
This year, Green Me Magazine commemorated Maru’s passing: “The dog arrived on the island at the age of 2 and lived there until a few years ago when he passed away. Korean newspapers also paid tribute to Maru, describing him as an extremely sociable and affectionate dog.”